In June we will be vacationing in the OuterBanks. It will take us 14 hours to get there. We will be making this trip in one day. I have a an 11-year old daughter, a 2 year-old son, and a 1-year old son. I am looking for any suggestions on how to make the trip go as "cry-free" as possible! Also, does anyone know of where I can purchase some items for the car such as a head rest (for when the kids are sleeping) or possibly a tray for the car seat? Thanks!
2007-01-29 05:19:15 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Get a portable DVD player for the 11 year old. They are relatively cheap. As for the 2 year old, coloring books, maybe a walkman with a follow-along book. You will probably have to take lots of breaks and let them get out and run around for a few minutes here and there or they will become uncomfortable and cranky.
2007-01-29 05:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by Stephanie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a lot of those things - like the "head rest" - or a cresent shaped neck pillow - at Walmart or Target. The tray for the car seat might be harder - try a place like Babies R Us for that. Try a padded lap desk in a pinch.
You might also want to consider renting a portable DVD player and finding some movies that all three kids could enjoy. (I recommend stuff like Over the Hedge and Cars) You can rent the DVD player at a Rent A Center or Colortyme type place - they're usually less than $100 a week.
The other thing to consider - especially for the younger two - go to the dollar store and get a bunch of little toys to put in a backpack or special bag only for that child for the trip. (Let your older one pack her own bag with that kind of stuff.)
Good luck!!!
2007-01-29 05:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol I came up with a brilliant plan the other night if my children ever do the STOP TOUCHING ME! MOM HE'S TOUCHING ME MAKE HIM STOP! tirade. Zip tie their hands behind their back....
But in all seriousness, bring some toys, coloring books, stuffed animals, etc for the two younger children, they'll probably sleep most of the way anyway. They'll be fine napping in their car seats. I slept most of the way during a drive from Kansas to Washington DC when I was 4, my parents later told me I had carried on with "I wan cookie, I wan cookie, I wan cookie, I wan cookie" for about half an hour then eventually passed out. So be prepared for silliness like that with the little ones.
For the older child, let her choose a few things to bring along. I'd advise against allowing her to bring anything expensive like an iPod. I'd say pick up a 30$ portable CD player and some cheap headphones, so it doesn't matter nearly as much if it gets broken or lost. She should be fine with a travel pillow and blanket if she wants to nap.
2007-01-29 05:38:27 · answer #3 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop being selfish, your kids are more important than getting there in one day. It is not recommended to keep children in car seats for that length of time and can you imagine their reaction when you say you are going on a car trip in the future? They will hate the trip and hate riding in cars!
Break it up into two days. Start early,, drive 2-3 hours then stop for an hour. Repeat it and stop for lunch and play. Finish up the 7 hours of driving and check into a motel early and let them get some exercise! Repeat it the next day.
Don't even THINK about drugging your kids so they will "be quiet" for 14 hours. That is child abuse.
2007-02-01 19:52:01 · answer #4 · answered by forgivebutdonotforget911 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God be with you! I do not envy that trip. I have young ones myself, so I know how stressed out you will be - lol. The 2yr old and 1yr old is your main concern. Picture books to look at, coloring books and crayons, favorite toys, or even a movie to watch in the car if you are fortunate enough to have a dvd player in it. I would recommend a lot of stops along the way so they can get out and expel some built up energy. Something to think about, you might try leaving during the late night, then they sleep for most of the trip. It's what my mom used to do with me and my sister when we drove 12 hours to visit my grandmother.
2007-01-29 05:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by Therese 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 5 kids and we go on long trips for fun allot. Just pull over and get out at rest areas and play along the trip. We have a car tv and that is great they can play their plug and play tv games or watch movies. Have fun!
2007-01-29 08:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
right this is a itemizing of conceivable issues to do: - books on tape - coloring books -poratble DVD participant - nutrients - vehicle video games: 20 questions, reminiscence, tale situations - sleep--my fashionable - lisence plate: shop a itemizing of alll the vehicles you notice that are from diverse states. (retains the toddlers look out of the window and at last facilitates them nod off) - analyzing a e book? - often times supplies a headache yet worht a attempt - speaking on the telephone (for the 11 12 months outdated) - for the toddlers possibly digital video games at the same time with bounce frog issues, and another toddler toys.. . i'm not too fmailiar with toddler toys. - track is often relaxing - sing alongs could be relaxing - - crossword puzzles (for 11 12 months outdated) i think of the toddlers u won't could desire to situation too lots approximately, however the 11year outdated might supply some worry. i'm guessin could be like some interest yet due your interest with the different 2 she could be a splash lonelier. wish this facilitates
2016-12-17 05:09:59 · answer #7 · answered by phylys 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to your local library. they should have "kits" designed with just this factor in mind. they also will have books on tape, some kid ones and some adult ones. Just ask the librarian. and have a fun vacation!
2007-01-29 06:03:39 · answer #8 · answered by mollynelson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to the most amazing band ever, 14 Hour Drive :]
...or.. just threaten your children with impending death?
2007-01-31 17:13:04 · answer #9 · answered by loserkidsblink 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you can buy them a portable dvd player or a video now to entratin them in the car
2007-01-29 11:04:27 · answer #10 · answered by monika j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋