Living just two hours from my parents makes for frequent family road trips, especially during the summer when they have a pool — and let’s be honest, my 5-year-old prefers Grandma over me. While these trips are shorter than our previous ten-hour drives, the two-hour journey can feel like an eternity when you have two kids squabbling in the backseat.
You might think that two hours hardly qualifies as a road trip for adults, but once you have children, even a quick jaunt to the grocery store can feel like an expedition. The amount of stuff you need to pack is staggering: snacks, toys, games, drinks, books, and of course, more snacks because kids are notoriously picky.
Family road trips can bring a whole new level of challenges, but they don’t have to be a source of dread. The solution? Embrace the chaos and let the kids revel in the journey.
When I was a child, hitting the road felt like an adventure. I’d kick off my shoes the moment we left the neighborhood, fully embracing the idea of vacation. As a parent, you can foster that same excitement by relaxing the usual rules.
Forget the strict screen time limits! Our five-year-old enjoys back-to-back Pixar films on his tablet, wearing headphones to spare us from the endless loop of “Let It Go.”
Typically strict about snacks? Toss that out the window. On road trips, we bring a stash of Goldfish, juice boxes, and fruit snacks, allowing our kiddo to help himself. A happy child is a quiet child, and that makes for a much more pleasant ride.
While you may usually intervene during sibling squabbles, consider letting them have some fun. Just kidding about boxing gloves, but giving them a bit of freedom can transform the atmosphere in the car.
Driving with your family on a busy highway is inherently stressful. So give yourself a break! You don’t need to abandon your parenting principles completely; just allow for a little flexibility. Saying “yes” more often instead of “no” can lead to a far more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Instead of responding with frustration to every request, you might find that a cheerful “yes” can lead to smiles and quietness in the backseat. A harsh “no,” on the other hand, can quickly spiral into chaos, especially when confined in a moving vehicle.
So, make your family road trips a fun part of your vacation by letting go of the reins a bit. By easing up on the rules, you’ll likely emerge from the car with your sanity intact and your family in good spirits.
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Summary:
Family road trips don’t have to be a source of stress. Embrace the journey by loosening your usual rules and allowing your kids to enjoy the ride. This approach can transform the experience into a fun part of your family vacation.