If you have traveled at all, then you know how painful it can be. Pack up, load up your car or truck, drive hundreds of miles, secure a place to stay at your destination, set up a temporary home while you’re there, and then reverse the entire process when it’s time to go home. Now, try going through that process with a couple of little kids thrown into the mix. Your day has become much more interesting.

Yes, parents, unfortunately you have to take your children with you. I learned early on that leaving a baby at home with instructions to only eat one can of baby food a day doesn’t work.

That said, it is possible to make long-distance travel bearable for everyone. As we hit the road (or the blue wild) this holiday season, a few tips for traveling with the offspring in tow:

When traveling by car, make sure they are secured in their car seat at all times the car is in motion. If I see you doing the opposite, then you can thank me for the state trooper who will soon pull you over. I’ve called and ratted out more than one brain-dead parent, and I wear my road tattletale status with great pride.

Go at your own pace. I’m a guy; for me a trip is getting in the car at the beginning and getting out at the end, preferably with as little time as possible between those two points. Do not subject your children to that torture. He drives for a couple of hours and then he lets everyone go out to rest. (Don’t forget to stop the car first.)

Pack for the kids: Have a small backpack loaded with small toys, games, books, Valium (wow, did that just get away?), pencils, stickers, etc., and pack a few surprises. I learned this particular lesson the first time I heard “how much longer?” 20 minutes on an eight hour trip.

Audiobooks: Kids love these and they’re available on CD at your local library. Of course, that means Dad won’t be able to play AC/DC or other great driving music, but he’ll keep the kids busy.

Arcades – Free arcades are available at almost every interstate exit. Burger King and Mickey D’s have very nice indoor play areas where your kids can blow off steam. You can also order takeout for them.

If you have very young children, a training potty can be a worthwhile investment before a long trip. In a pinch, a Styrofoam cup in the glove compartment will suffice.

I was never a big fan of car-mounted DVD players until last summer. We took a six hour drive to Wilmington NC…the DVD player kept my son entertained for long periods. However, don’t let them get too attached to it.

there you go I hope that helps. I would like to think that nearly twenty years of traveling with children taught me something, and as they grow older and more independent, I feel it is my duty to pass on the wisdom to the next generation that they felt the need to propagate themselves.

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