Parenting
As we prepare for our long weekend getaway, my children are incessantly asking for a glimpse into our travel arrangements. However, I stand firm, knowing that showing them would spoil the surprise and leave me without any further plans. If your family mirrors mine, the holiday and school break seasons often involve extensive travel, which can feel like a test of endurance for parents. Our method usually involves packing into our somewhat tidy minivan, each family member assigned their own seat, and setting off.
In the past, we barely made it five minutes on the road before the “I’m bored” chorus began. Naturally, the other children joined in, escalating the noise level significantly. “How long until we reach Grandma’s house?” “Four hours? That’s forever!” “Did you bring me snacks? This granola bar isn’t what I wanted!” “Who just farted?” “Mom! That’s disgusting!” “Can we listen to Taylor Swift?” “Ugh, no! I want Imagine Dragons!” “It’s my turn to choose the movie, and I refuse to watch Frozen again!” “Mom! He’s singing too loud! I can’t hear the movie!”
You might think the solution is to hand out electronic devices. However, we limit screen time at home, and we maintain this rule while traveling as well. We might allow devices for part of the journey, but not the entire trip. This left me pondering alternative ways to keep my kids engaged during our travels.
With a diverse range of ages—two tweens, a first grader, and a preschooler—finding an activity that satisfies everyone’s sense of fairness was a challenge. One year, while clearing out our closet, I stumbled upon several durable backpacks that we had replaced with newer ones for school. Instead of donating them, I had an epiphany: these backpacks could be repurposed to enhance our travel experience.
After giving them a good wash, I ventured into our playroom. I gathered up pencil cases we received from the library, filling them with an assortment of washable markers, crayons, and pencils. I also located mini clipboards from Grandma and attached stickers to each one, since we have an abundance. Next, I collected a coloring book for each child, along with spiral notebooks.
My kids love their comfort in the car, so we typically bring blankets for each of them. To add a snuggly element, I included a small stuffed animal for each child in their backpack.
Next came the books. I searched through their rooms for old favorites and hidden gems that had been forgotten. Magazines were also a great find. A useful tip: toy catalogs that arrive in the mail are fantastic distractions for kids.
I then decided to include a few small toys for each child. I rummaged through their bedrooms but imposed some guidelines: no slime or dough, no tiny parts that could easily be lost, and no noisy toys that could drive me to drink at 9 a.m. Instead, I selected action figures, miniature vehicles, fidget toys, and card games. Occasionally, I’ll surprise the kids with a wrapped small new toy, movie, or book that I place enticingly on the console during the journey to build anticipation.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also add snacks and a water bottle to the backpacks. Personally, I avoid this because my kids would devour all their snacks within the first ten minutes, leaving nothing for later. But do what works best for your family.
Typically, we kick off our road trips with “backpack time” before switching to a movie. After a quick lunch break—which includes mandatory jumping jacks in the parking lot—my kids get some screen time before returning to the backpacks.
The backpack strategy is also beneficial in public places, as the kids can carry their own entertainment into restaurants or during obligatory visits to relatives, ensuring they have their go-to activities on hand.
As we gear up for several road trips in the upcoming weeks, the backpacks are packed and ready. My kids eagerly await this part of our trips, much like Christmas morning, as they rediscover old treasures. I do occasionally clean them out, adding new items or removing those they’ve outgrown.
Just five minutes into our journey to their aunt and uncle’s house, my children dive into their backpacks, thrilled to explore what’s inside. Meanwhile, my partner and I enjoy a moment of relaxation, turning on the seat heaters and grabbing a strong coffee before hitting the road, basking in a fleeting sense of bliss. For more on the excitement of family travel, check out this post on Home Insemination.
In summary, the backpack strategy has revolutionized our family travel experience, transforming potential chaos into organized fun, while allowing me to maintain a semblance of sanity on the road. For further reading on family planning and pregnancy resources, you can visit Make a Mom, an authority on this topic, or explore Medical News Today for more insights.
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