Parents often avoid taking trips in the car when their kids are toddlers because it’s a hassle. And it’s no wonder that toddlers don’t want to sit still for long periods of time; they’ve just discovered mobility and are curious to explore their world. However, this doesn’t mean you have to avoid family vacations and traveling altogether until your toddler is older. Get creative to find ways to make it work for everyone.
Consider the timing.
Plan your trip around your toddler’s naptime. They will sleep through part of the trip which will make it easier on you. This is especially helpful if they are recently potty trained. It will also allow you a break from entertaining them.
You can also plan to drive late at night or early in the morning for part of the trip. Some parents switch off with each other and drive all night so the kids sleep through the entire trip. With this arrangement, the kids miss out on an adventure and a chance to learn new things; it works better if it’s only used for part of the trip.
It can be easy to forget about regular routines when you’re traveling, but your toddlers will remember. They will still get hungry around the same time so it’s important that you stop to eat. Provide snacks at the same time as they would have them at home or daycare. This will help keep them in a good mood because they aren’t hungry. And unlike adults, when toddlers get hungry, they want food now.
Plan stops ahead of time.
Chart your route before you leave home and do some research to find the best places to take breaks. Have a picnic instead of eating in a restaurant to allow your kids a chance to run around instead of sitting still again.
Find interesting places to visit when you stop. Look for kid-friendly tourist attractions that will occupy your toddlers for a few minutes and give them a chance to exercise their minds and their bodies.
Choose your stops by the amount of time you have. For instance, if you plan to take a long break and spend the night, look for kids’ museums or amusement parks. However, if you’re just stopping for an hour or so, look for places that allow for short visits, such as state parks or playgrounds. Anything less than forty-five minutes to an hour is not going to give your toddler enough of a break to sit quietly again.
Be an entertaining companion.
Make the time in the car as fun as possible. Pack plenty of activities for them to play with. Buy a new toy or game that is just for use in the car. They will be more likely to play with it than with toys they are used to.
Point out things of interest to them and talk to them about what you’re seeing. Toddlers don’t like to be ignored and often act up to get attention. If you include them in the conversation, they won’t need to work to get it by crying or screaming.
Sit in the back seat with your toddler if there’s room. Since I’ve had my daughter, I’ve rode in the back with her for every trip. She has so much more fun on long trips this way and I have fun watching her.
Don’t get stressed.
This is sometimes easier said than done, but if you get frustrated when you make a wrong turn or get lost, your toddler will feed on that mood. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination so that you don’t get in a hurry. Add in extra minutes because you’re traveling with a toddler. If your trip normally takes four hours, figure it will now take five and a half or six hours and plan for that.
Keep in mind that the most important part of the trip is who you’re traveling with. Enjoy each other’s company and let everything else slide. You’re making wonderful memories of precious time spent with your toddler and that is the point of your trip.