My parents live just a couple of hours away, and we often embark on family road trips to visit them, especially during the summer. Not only do they have a pool that my 5-year-old loves, but let’s be honest—he’d rather hang out with Grandma than me any day of the week!
My partner and I have mixed feelings about these trips. While they’re a far cry from the ten-hour journeys we used to take, the two-hour drive isn’t exactly a picnic either. Sure, it’s shorter than the epic trek we used to endure, but that eight-hour difference is easily overshadowed by the chaos of two kids squabbling in the backseat.
You might be thinking that two hours isn’t much of a road trip—at least not for adults. However, once you throw kids into the mix, any trip longer than a quick run to the store feels like a serious expedition. You can’t head out without packing a mountain of snacks, games, toys, juice boxes, and enough distractions to keep them entertained for at least a few minutes. And let’s not even get started on the inevitable mess!
Road trips, like most family adventures, can quickly turn into a chaotic ordeal. But there’s a way to shift your perspective and actually enjoy these outings: embrace the chaos!
Okay, I’m not suggesting you fly instead—air travel comes with its own brand of stress and the added pressure of other passengers glaring at you for having kids. When I was little, I adored road trips, and I’m pretty sure my kids (at least the one who’s aware of his surroundings) enjoy them too. As a parent, it’s a different story, but they don’t have to be a total nightmare, thanks to technology.
More importantly, you need to loosen the reins. Kids often view road trips as the adventure itself, not just a means to an end. I remember kicking off my shoes and thinking, “Once I leave my neighborhood, I’m on vacation!” To keep your sanity intact during a long drive, indulge that feeling.
Forget the usual screen time limits. We let our five-year-old binge-watch Pixar films with his own headphones so we don’t have to listen to “Let It Go” on repeat. And when it comes to snacks, it’s all hands on deck! We keep a stash of Goldfish, juice boxes, and fruit snacks in the backseat to minimize requests for service from the front.
Sure, you might normally try to curb sibling squabbles, but why not let them duke it out—figuratively, of course? The reality is that a family road trip is inherently stressful, so give yourself and your kids a break. Your usual discipline strategy won’t vanish just because you ease up a little in the car. You’d be surprised how much more pleasant the ride becomes when you can say “yes” instead of “no” to their requests (provided they’re not asking to toss things out the window, of course!).
So, stop dreading those family road trips and turn them into a fun part of your vacation. Embrace a more relaxed approach, and you’ll likely emerge from the car with your sanity intact. And if you’re looking for more family-related tips, check out this post over on our blog.
Summary
Family road trips can be a source of stress for parents, especially with kids in tow. However, by loosening rules and embracing the chaos, you can transform these journeys into enjoyable experiences. A bit of screen time, a mountain of snacks, and an open attitude can make all the difference.