When my two kids and I aren’t flying somewhere, we often hit the road to visit my parents in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. This journey takes about six and a half hours from Boulder, and we typically make the round trip three times a year. Sounds simple, right? Well, through trial and error, I’ve discovered what really works:
- Keep Your Distance: This might surprise some parents, but I’ve found that the less I engage with my kids during the drive, the calmer they tend to be. If you enjoy listening to “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain” for hours on end, great! But personally, I prefer a quieter ride.
- Perfect Your “You-Better-Stop-That” Face: As the driver barreling down the highway, you need a way to regain control. My mother had this expression down to an art. The moment your kids see you flash this look, they’ll freeze like deer in headlights. Practice it in the mirror if you need to.
- Master the Art of Roadside Potty Breaks: While this might not be strictly legal, little bladders can’t wait. When you see a “No Services for 1 Billion Miles” sign, pull over somewhere discreet. Open the passenger doors and make a little privacy zone for your child to relieve themselves. Sorry if that sounds gross, but it’s a necessity!
- Pack a Food Cooler Wisely: Stock your cooler with snacks that are easy to grab like cheese sticks, fruit, and sandwiches. However, be cautious with yogurt tubes or those funny drink pouches—they can turn into messy explosions in the car. Trust me, skip the yogurt tubes for toddlers during the drive.
- Forget About Potty Training: At least for the trip duration, just put a diaper on your little one and drive. It’s less hassle and more conducive to your sanity.
- Embrace AM Static During Meltdowns: If your baby is having a full-on meltdown, sometimes the hum of static can surprisingly calm them down. It sounds odd, but it works when nothing else will.
- Check the Weather: No road trip is worth the risk of driving in bad weather with kids. I can’t stress this enough! I once took a trip with my infant son that turned a six-hour journey into nine hours due to a snowstorm. It was exhausting and emotional—just avoid it altogether.
- Encourage Scenic Appreciation: Make sure your children take some time to actually look out the window. While driving through South Dakota might not be the most scenic, there are beautiful views to appreciate. Once, my son asked if he had to keep “appreciatin’ the scenery,” and I said yes!
- Invest in Entertainment: Instead of trying to find music everyone will enjoy, get your kids headphones and a car charger for their devices. Load up an audiobook for yourself—maybe something from the young adult genre to keep it light. Remember: Happy Mama Driver = Happy Family.
- Stay Flexible: Road trips can be chaotic, and there will be moments that test your patience. Dig deep and remind yourself that you’ll have your chance at payback when they’re older!
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Summary
Road trips can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for families. By implementing strategies like keeping a healthy distance, mastering your “serious face,” and packing wisely, you can navigate the journey with more ease. Remember to check the weather, encourage your kids to appreciate their surroundings, and invest in entertainment to keep everyone happy along the way.