Keeping kids safe in cars often means keeping them busy with a variety of activities
Car trips with children can often turn out to be marathon-like tests of patience for parents. Choruses of “Are we there yet?” and “I need to go to the bathroom” linger in the minds of many a parent preparing to take a child on a road trip. But just as much as boredom can be a burden on a child, it can also be a burden on safety, as children with nothing to do in the back seat can grow restless and unruly, creating a dangerous distraction for parents whose chief focus should be on the road.
Fortunately, there are several easy steps parents can take that will help them keep their eyes on the road and their kids from being bored to tears.
“ Bring along a TV/DVD player. Though these can be expensive, many electronics manufacturers now offer portable TV/DVD players that can be plugged into the car lighter. Also, many SUVs and minivans offer built-in TV/DVD players with the vehicle you purchase. While these, too, are expensive options, in the long run, the peace of mind they provide might be worth the extra money.
“ Pack a few books on CD. Though many people, adults and children alike, might feel nauseous reading a book in a moving vehicle, no such nausea occurs when listening to a book while moving. This can be a way to keep things in the car mellow while allowing your child to learn something along the way, too.
“ Pack snacks. Children can stay occupied with a good snack that can also help hold them over until it’s time to pull over and stop for a meal. You can also give your kids an incentive to behave by letting them know you have their favorite snacks, which they can have only if they’re good.
“ Attach an activity center to a smaller child’s car seat. Though this will only work for children who are still in car seats, it can be attached to the front of a car seat and provide your child with some stimulating activity.
“ Pack some toys. Chances are your children will want to bring some of their favorite toys along anyway. Make sure you don’t pack anything that can be easily thrown about the car or at a sibling. Hand-held video games, coloring books or even a personal CD player should provide some lengthy escapism for your child and keep the car safe, too.
“ Play some games. At one time or another, any child who has ever been on a long car trip has played the license plate game, where children keep track of all the different state license plates they see on the road. Other games can include “What is your favorite movie, food, etc.?” and guessing games where children can guess the distance of an object they see that’s far ahead (whoever gets the most accurate guesses wins a snack). These games will keep kids occupied and allow you to keep your eyes on the road.