Road trips are an eye-opening and enlightening experience for kids of all ages. They offer lots of new experiences, sights, and foods, not to mention quality family time.
Five Tips for Happier, Safer Car Journeys with Your Child
However, traveling with kids can be an overwhelming endeavor. You have to deal with long packing lists, unpredictable schedules, and cranky kids, but that does not mean you shouldn’t experience a happier and safer journey with kids.
Prepare well in advance.
When taking a car journey with your child, it is imperative to prepare ahead of time. The more preparation you do, the easier time you and your child will have.
Therefore, ensure you prepare all meals and snacks you bring on the road for your little one, and don’t forget to pack drinking water. More importantly, be sure to plan all possible stopovers.
Make sure you know what to do after a car accident, just in case.
Accidents are inevitable; they can happen at any time and in any place. That is why it is a smart move to know what to do in the event of an auto crash, even if you are a skilled and careful driver.
Although accidents can be terrifying and disorienting, you first need to take some deep breaths to calm yourself down. After that, evaluate your injuries and call the police or ask someone else to do it on your behalf.
If your injuries are severe or it is not safe to get out of your car, stay still, keep your seatbelt on, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for help to arrive.
However, if your injuries are minor, turn off the vehicle, grab your emergency kit, and get out to set up warning triangles or orange cones around the crash site. Doing this will help keep you and others safe.
Don’t overpack
It is not uncommon for people to take too much stuff when traveling with kids, even when leaving the house for just a few hours.
While there is no harm in bringing along your child’s favorite toys, stuffed animals, or small familiar comfort items, a good rule of thumb is to pack the things you will need only. If you are unsure of what to pack, you may want to research your journey beforehand to identify what to expect and where you can buy what.
Allow plenty of time for the journey!
When traveling with children, you will likely spend several hours in service stations, car parks, and lay-bys calming down.
While it is okay to start your car journey a little earlier than usual, it will be more helpful to leave enough time for all planned and unplanned breaks. Doing this will ensure that you don’t arrive late just because you pulled over for toilet breaks or to help your child deal with their meltdown.
Decide on the best time to drive!
Last but certainly not least, you must decide when to drive, especially when traveling with kids. However, the best time for car journeys will depend on prevailing factors.
For instance, driving for many hours during the day may not be enjoyable, particularly in hot weather. Unless you want your child to see all the fascinating places along the way, a good idea when taking a long-distance road trip is to drive through the night, so your child can sleep on the way.
Have a Happier, Safer Car Journeys with Your Child
However, be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep beforehand or share the task of driving with someone else if you will be on the road for a long at night.
