Driving with Children
Driving by car on a long journey with children can be hard and there are many things to consider when undertaking a trip like this. Children need to be entertained, can’t wait for toilets, want food and drinks, need to have breaks etc. Let’s see what are the important factors to consider before embarking on a long trip by car with children.
First of all we need to know what a “long journey with the car” means. For some people it could be that even 2 hours is a long journey, for others, like ourselves for example, it is about 8 to 10 hours.
Here are some of the factors to consider before travelling with children whatever your concept of a long journey is:
- Type of car
- FoodBreaks
- Toilets needs
- Sleep
- Entertainment
Type of car
The more comfortable the car is the better for the children. It is obvious that for example a seven seaters car will be more comfortable than a mini even if you have only one child. With seven seaters a child or children have more space available for themselves and all they toys and things. They might even swap seats at every break and give them different views from the car to the outside. If you travel in hot countries an air conditioner is a must and also some window covers to avoid sun coming in the car. Another important accessory that the car should have is 2 cigarette lighter points to be able to recharge dvd players or game consoles, also at the back of the car.
Food
During a long journey, especially one that keeps you in the car for at least 8 - 10 hours, children require food and drinks. From past experience, I found that buying this stuff along the way, can be quite expensive, especially when you have more than one child and if you travel in hot countries. The best, and most economical thing to do, is to equip your car with a good portable fridge with a dual power. One power point for the cigarette lighter, which will keep the contents cool while you are driving and one with a normal plug that you can use in your hotel room for an overnight stay. This allows you to carry all the cool drinks and food that your children and yourselves like
Breaks
Children require breaks often, either for the toilet or for food or sometimes just for simply stretching their legs.Try always not to park your car in the middle of a parking lot but (if possible) more to a side, perhaps near some grass or a under shade. It will be more pleasant for a child.Try also at the same time as stopping to do more things. If for example you stop to eat, take the opportunity to take the kids to the toilet and to put some petrol. Basically you should always try to coordinate the need of stopping for your kids with the other needs, such as petrol refill, eating, drinks and toilet. Doing that will you avoid stopping another time for refuelling
Toilet need.
According the age of your children, you will need lots of nappy, wet wipes, bags are always handy If your kids are bigger and use the toilet, always carry some toilet covers (toilets along freeways can be very dirty), toilet paper (not always available and when it is, it can be a very cheap variety and very hard to use!).
Sleep
If you child wants to sleep in the car, make them comfortable. If your back seats don’t recline, when they fell asleep, their head could fall to one side. The suggestion is to use cushions for the tavel (airplane). They do the work very well. Then, if you travel in hot countries, remember the window shade. If travelling in cold countries, have a light blanket available, just in case the inside temperature is too cold for them.
Entertaining in the car
Lots of things can be done in the car to entertain the children in a long journey.
- Computer games (make sure that the console can be recharged in car)
- DVD players (also make sure that can be recharge in car)
- Books to read and colouring books
- Bring their favourite toys
- Play old fashion games like recognising where the car come from, how many cars of one colour they can see, etc.
- Swap seating (especially if you have a seven seaters or more car) between middle row, third row
- Use the SAT NAV to have some fun. My children love to have the SAT NAV in languages they are not familiar with, like Chinese, Japanese, Russian etc. This keeps them focused on something else. Obviously don’t do this if you need to know the road in that particular moment!
- Reward your kids with some money for every km you drive for example 1 cent for every km if they are good in the car
