Keeping the kids amused on long journeys

(2008-12-01) Brad Swarner

Travelling with children can be a recipe for disaster unless you head off equipped with an inexhaustible stock of in-car activities or, a DVD player.

Thanks to advances in technology, you can now have a DVD player fitted to your car. They even come standard in some car models and it doesn’t stop there. You can even get games consoles fitted for PlayStation fans. So why frazzle your nerves trying to keep the kids entertained when modern technology can do it for you.

Don’t distract the driver
It is important to ensure that the DVD screens are fitted so that they are not visible to the driver. There are a number of ways DVD screens can be fitted to your car. They can fold down from the roof, be built into the back of the front seat headrests, or strap on to the back of the front seat headrests. However, recent studies have shown that strap-on DVD screens can fly off in an accident and cause serious injury to passengers. So, from a safety perspective, it’s advisable to choose one of the first two options.

If you install a games console in your car, select travelling games wisely. Calmer games will have a better affect on your child and the rest of your passengers. Hectic games could cause your child to jump around and bump or kick the driver.

Road safety
DVD players and games consoles will keep your kids occupied on the journey providing fewer distractions for the driver. They also help to keep the kids calm, which in turn reduces the stress on the driver allowing him/her to concentrate on the road rather than entertaining bored children in the back.

If you are going to use music to keep the kids happy, don’t turn it up so loud that it distracts the driver. If there is a passenger travelling in the front seat, let them take charge of changing CDs, tapes or the radio station. If the driver is changing songs, ensure that he/she can do it quickly and easily.

Selective listening
If you and your kids agree to disagree on music, then an iPod or Walkman could help keep the peace. Story tapes are also great for keeping younger kids occupied.

Traditional tricks
If it all sounds too high tech for you, games that have been around since cars became the primary mode of transport are still amusing youngsters today. There is I-spy, a number of spotting games and a variety of quizzes to keep minds busy. There is even the ‘quiet game’ when you need some quiet time. The rules are very simple, the one who sits quietly the longest, wins! However, be warned that it doesn’t hold their interest for long.

Mom’s Minivan offers 101 car travel games and road trip ideas for kids. There is a range of great ideas from in-car bingo to cow counting and even tips on how to avoid car sickness.

Feed their boredom
Load up with a range of snacks to help pass the time. However, do not load up with food and drinks high in sugar. Not only is it unhealthy for your kids but it will make them even more energetic and fidgety.

Sleep through it
If the thought of driving in daylight gives you nightmares, you can always drive after dark. That way your kids can sleep through the journey. Another option is to start very early in the morning. Your kids can sleep for a few hours in the car and when they wake up, you can stop for breakfast. This helps reduce the amount of ‘awake’ time for your kids.

Car insurance
For complete peace of mind, ensure that you have the right car insurance before you set off. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available from Direct Line, visit www.directline.com/motor/welcome.htm.

Directline offers car insurance, home insurance and more. Visit http://www.direcltine.com to find out more.