My parents live a two, two and a half hour drive away. Pre kids, this journey meant deciding what podcast to put on for Matt while I went to sleep.
Now it’s a very different story.
Car journeys these days involve lots of twisting, passing things, selecting certain songs, asking them not to open windows, dealing with tears when we put on the window lock. Never finishing a conversation.
They also always end in the car being an absolute mess.
The girls don’t get car sick, thankfully. So I’ve never had to deal with that. I have, however, found some tips that help us have better car journeys. Thing’s I’ve learned over the years. I’ve far from nailed it, but I hope that if you’ve got a long journey coming up, that these tips might help you!
1. Pack everything with easy access in mind
If you’re driving, make sure the kids have everything they need within reach. Drink, snacks, toys. If they drop something, explain you have to pull over. Don’t try and reach it. I’ve heard too many horror stories from an A and E doctor, it’s not worth it.
If you’re the passenger, have everything they could need within easy reach for you. Even the biggest cars can feel small when you’re all crammed into them for hours, so make it easy for yourself. Use bags with compartments, or sandwich bags to separate things. If the kids are taking small toys, use lunchboxes or sandwich bags to keep them from getting lost.
2. Download TV shows
Download shows to your phone or a tablet when you’re at home so it’s ready to go.
3. Pack a charger
And make sure it’s long enough to reach them if they’re watching TV on the phone or tablet.
4. Take food that keeps them interested for ages
Eating in the car isn’t for everyone, and you do need to make sure you think about what you’re giving them. Raisins and biscuits work well for the girls as it keeps them busy for a while. Another good one is frozen Frubes or Choobs as they last if it’s a hot day, or they take them ages to eat as lollies when they’re fresh out the freezer.
5. Think up some games
We’re not quite at eye spy in our house yet, but we play things like “I’m thinking of a white animal” etc. Or “What colour is x.” Ida also likes, “Put your hand up if you [insert random thing here]” We played this for at least 20 minutes on our last journey.
6. Take activity toys
Magnatiles and a few bits of lego can keep the kids entertained for a little while.
7. Speak to them
Maybe this is a given… maybe not. But I love just having a chat with Ida in the car. She’s four and understands now that the car leads to somewhere fun. Marfs is 2 and much more demanding and less understanding. When they’re both awake in the car Ida seems to make more demands and there are arguments over what to watch etc. Sometimes Ida and Martha entertain themselves with telling stories, songs and little games. This is really useful, though not too common at the moment!
8. Time your journey around naps if you can!
It will be much more peaceful if they’re having a snooze!
9. Keep your footwell tidy, your coat off, and the blowers off your face
Too hot, not enough leg room and the blowers on your face is a ticket to over stimulation. Avoid it.
Also, pack a flask of coffee or tea. It just makes the journey feel better.
Fromthemotherside 
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