1. Give them some expectations for the trip.

This we've found works really well, especially for those really, really long car drives. Letting the kids know ETAs can be helpful, at least in getting them to stop asking "are we there yet?" and start asking "How much longer do we have?" It lets them know approximately how much time is left on their trip, which leaves out a bit of confusion. 

2. Keep them busy!

This one is also super important, because an idle kid is not something you wnat to deal with in the car. One of the best ways to do this is with audiobooks, which are often better than regular books because the car jolting around and just moving in general can make it both very hard to read, and even get some kids carsick (Which you never want to have to deal with) Another option is special toys that are only used in the car, which helps them retain their novelty, which keeps kids from being bored. Games are also good, Eye Spy, and other similar games help keep the kids engaged on the road.

3. Take stops as needed

Kids are going to need more stops on the road than adults will, it's just a fact. However, these stops can be a good opprotunity to let the kids get some energy out, and stretch their legs. Planning fun little quick stops can help break up the monotony of the open road, and give them something to be excited about! There are always plenty of spots on the road where you can stop, and maybe take a short walk, or play on a playground for a few minutes. These little pitstops can help a lot, especially with energetic toddlers (And then maybe they'll nap afterwards, it's a win win)

4. Make sure you have Food and Water!

Snacks are extremely important on any long trip, so you'll want to make sure that you've got plenty. Having snacks that all of your kids like will make the process a lot easier, especially for any picky eaters. And even though we don't want to make too many stops to use the bathroom, making sure water is readily available is also super important. If you have kids that don't like to drink water, it might be worth looking into drink mixes that you can add into bottled water, which can often give the water a tasty flavor!

These are just a few of the things we do to make sure our car trips go by a smoothly as possible. Hopefully these little tips and tricks can help you on your next family road trip!

Until next time, have a great day, and keep on exploring!