Like many other parents, this year I’ll be going on a long road trip with my kids during spring break. Of course, a trip across the country can be quite a challenge when kids are involved. The younger they are, the more preparations you need to make. So here are a couple of suggestions you might want to take to heart.

BE ROAD-READY

Insurance and registration

Insurance and registration should always be paid for and up to date, but people sometimes forget to renew registrations or pay their insurance bill. In case of an accident or if you get pulled over by the police, having both taken care of is a major plus!

Roadside Assistance/Travel Club Membership

Roadside assistance is a must when traveling long distances. Make sure your RACV or other membership is up to date to get help in case of breakdowns. Many of those clubs also provide awesome discounts for car repairs, hotel stays and entertainment parks, among other things. Kids may stay and eat free in some instances. Check with your local provider or visit their website.

Laws in Other States and/or Countries

Not all laws are the same. Check on local regulations before you start driving. Some areas may allow you to be on the cell phone while driving, while others do not. It’s safest to always wear a seat belt irregardless of the law.

A MECHNICALLY SOUND VEHICLE

Some things you may want to check and adjust before getting on the road with your children are the tire pressure and whether all vehicle lights are functioning properly. Correcting your vehicle’s tire pressure will improve your gas mileage and prevent blowouts, while ensuring running and brake lights are working well allows you to see properly at night and to be seen by other drivers as well. When was your latest oil change? I usually do a fresh oil change every time before I go on a road trip to make sure my engine runs smooth throughout the entire trip.

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR KIDS

Extra Everything

With kids in tow you need lots of extras. You may want to pack kids backpacks with extra clothing in case of weather changes and spills, favorite toys to help them adjust to being in a new environment for the first time and lots of drinks and snacks to stay within your budget, rather than buying them on the road. Remember, kids always seem to be hungry and thirsty. =)

Babies need even more extras: additional diapers, wet wipes, bottles/formula, baby clothes and age appropriate toys.

Entertaining Kids while on the Road

There are quite a few things you can use to entertain the kids while you are driving.

Some of the things that can keep boredom at bay are:

• Hand-held video games
• Playing license plate games and old favorite games like “I spy”
• Reading books or picture books for younger passengers
• Wooden puzzles
• Drawing pads/coloring books and crayons
• Portable DVD Player – a movie can range from 1.5-3 hours and capture your kids attention for quite some time
• Listening to music. Travel “sing-alongs” can be quite a bit of fun. For all your other music needs use either your car stereo, or bring mp3 players for the kids to save your nerves and keep your attention on the road ;)
• Older kids might enjoy taking pictures while you are driving and when sight-seeing. So bring a digital camera and spare batteries for them, as well!

SAFETY

Setting Rules

Rules are essential for the safety of your kids and parents alike when on the road.

Make sure all parties involved are well aware of them before you get onto the freeway.

• While driving

Noisy kids can be a huge distraction, especially while trying to find your destination or on busy roads. Make sure that your children understand that accidents can happen when the driver is being distracted. Agree on a code word or hand sign to make communication easier and more fun for the kids. Sometimes challenging your kids to find out who can stay silent the longest is a fun little exercise to keep the little ones quiet and your eyes on the road.

• At rest stops and when sight-seeing

Running away from the parents and out from behind parked vehicles can be a humongous safety hazard for kids. Reiterate the dangers that can await your children in rest stop parking lots before you even park your car. Not talking to strangers and keeping car doors locked while waiting in the vehicle are great common sense rules most kids still need to be reminded of, as well.

FIRST AID KIT

A First Aid kit is essential, especially when you decide to go camping with young children. Remember to bring any prescription medication as needed, allergy medication, salve to relieve bee stings, maybe even a snake bite kit if you are going to end up hiking and such.

Now have a wonderful road trip with the kids and bring back only great memories!

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