| "Are we there yet?" is a phrase that conjures up | | | | journeys with food and toilet requests. While taking |
| long journeys in a cramped car with excitable children. | | | | care not to adversely affect a child's health, it might |
| There's little doubt that a long family car journey can | | | | be an idea to avoid giving them too much to drink |
| be particularly challenging, especially if some of the | | | | beforehand, particularly things which contain caffeine |
| passengers are young children. Attention spans are | | | | which is a diuretic and encourages visits to the toilet. |
| always a problem, and keeping the little ones | | | | However, taking water with you in the car could also |
| occupied can be one of the hardest things for the | | | | be a good idea so that something to drink is on hand |
| driver. Being on the road with children as passengers | | | | if needed, and carrying snacks with you including one |
| can not only be stressful, it can also be a hazard as | | | | or two favourite types of sweet can also make |
| they can distract your attention if they're restless. | | | | things easier. |
| Following a few simple tips and taking certain things | | | | Nap time |
| with you could save a lot of time and hassle, while | | | | Nap time can be valuable for children on long car |
| helping you to maintain concentration on the road | | | | journeys, so make sure they're comfortable with |
| ahead. | | | | things like pillows and blankets if needed. The cosier |
| Plan ahead | | | | they are, the more likely they are to drift off |
| Before your journey, think about what you want to | | | | completely at some point during the journey and |
| take with you in the car. Empty handed children | | | | leave you in peace. |
| become agitated quickly, so taking a supply of games | | | | Safety is also a vital concern - and seat belts should |
| and puzzles and any other activities or suitable toys | | | | be worn by all passengers at all times. It's the driver's |
| could be a good move. If there's more than one child, | | | | responsibility to make sure that this rule is followed. |
| remember to make sure there are enough activities | | | | Depending on a child's age, there may also be special |
| to go round. If both children have special preference | | | | rules regarding restraints and car seats. Those up to |
| for one toy in particular, it might be an idea not to | | | | three years old will need a correct child restraint |
| take this one to prevent squabbling. | | | | whether in the front or back. Currently, children |
| Your car music system may also be a weapon | | | | above three years of age up to twelve, or when |
| against child boredom, many libraries have audio | | | | they get to 135 cm tall have to have the correct |
| books in stock, and they are often cheap to buy too. | | | | restraint in the front and back. Children over 135cm |
| Music can also be good entertainment, and even if it's | | | | or who are 12 or 13 have to use a front or real adult |
| not to your taste, your child's favourite CD could | | | | seat belt if available. Make sure your child is not only |
| create a family sing along and keep them amused. | | | | occupied but safe too, and you are on the way to |
| Of course, apart from any squabbling or complaining, | | | | helping ensure a trouble free journey. You may even |
| travelling with children also tends to break up | | | | get through it without hearing: "Are we there yet? |