We are basically going on a cross country road trip. Nicole is 16 months and spencer turned three last week. I am 28 weeks pregnant. It will be three days worth of twelve hour drives. They won't all be in a row, we will be visiting various family members in between each twelve hour drive for a couple days before heading to the next spot. I know we need to stop and rest/stretch every two hours or so between potty breaks and my pregnancy and our sanity and such, but what can we do while on the road for so long? Can't do games or activities that require reading, baby can't color cause she eats crayons, she throws my phone so phone or dvd player for her like my older son will get. What games/activities/tips/tricks do you have for two such teeny travelers? I love the dollar store toy every hour idea but in this situation that would amount to over $100 worth of toys and we just can't do that. Any other ideas?
Quoting terpmama:
Pinterest has some great ideas (search road trip)... Also Harry potter on book on tape is amazing!! You could also do the drive overnight while kids sleep.
Quoting LoreleiSieja:We traveled at night when our kids were that little. We'd leave around dinner time, and have a few hours to amuse young ones, but then they'd fall asleep and we could drive for hours uninterrupted. We did this until they were about 3 and 4. We'd have to stop for gas, or change drivers periodically, and they might wake up, but as soon as we were on the road again, they always fell back asleep.
For little ones too young to watch a DVD or color, you'll need ear plugs for you and the driver. They just are going to cry. They won't be cajoled into sitting nicely in their car seats once they have it in their mind that they want "out". You can only play "peek a boo" for so long before you're ready to pull your hair out.
As for handing them something new every hour - it doesn't have to be something new from the dollar store. You can start to gather a "sensory bag"... a collection of different textures, smells, sights, sounds, etc... from stuff around your house and yard. Then you hand one new item to a baby BEFORE he/she gets fussy. It will amuse him or her for only a few minutes, but it's still worth it, because it will also be educational for the baby.
Things to include would be:
a hairbrush
pine cone
an ice cube (pulled from your drink, not the bag!)
a jar half filled with rice (screw lid on tight, watch child shake it)
a cotton ball sprayed heavily with perfume, which you stored in a zippy bag until giving it to child ( or spritzed with vanilla, vinegar, cinnamon, lemon oil etc.)
an orange peel
a scrap of velvet, or satin, or corduroy, or flannel, or all of these
a wooden spoon
a piece of sandpaper
get the idea? Anything you find that has a different texture, taste, scent, color, or sound... is a good object to put in your bag - as long as your child cannot get hurt by it. You are right there to supervise, too... so you can prevent your toddler from putting the perfume-soaked cotton ball in his mouth!
This sensory bag can be a good activity for the older child, as well. And another way to extend the experience. The first time, you just hand the object to the child and let him explore it on his own. But for the older child, and for older toddlers, you can make a "sensory feel-it" toy. You take an empty oatmeat box (the round container) and a sock. Cut the toe end off the soak, and stretch the cuff end around the opening of the oatmeal container. This is so your child can put his hand through the sock to feel what is inside the container, but cannot see what it is. You can duck-tape the sock to the container. You can paint the container, or leave it simple. Then, put four or more objects into the container and play with your child. He puts his hand in, grabs and object, and describes what he feels... you can help him express himself (good language skills) Does it feel smooth? Rough? Bumpy? Cold?... he should make a guess or two before he pulls it from the container to check his answer.
Other options:
Toys that you DON'T have at home will be more interesting. What about a big set of colorforms? They can stick to car windows, too!
Magnetic toys, and a cookie sheet (tin, not aluminum) Magnetic alphabet letters can be played with on a cookie sheet, or you can buy magnetic colored shaped for building fun.
a package of colored pipe cleaners can be twisted and shaped - may be enjoyed by all of your kids... under a dollar.
This is the ONE time when McDonalds can be a blessing. The playland will help them stretch their legs, and the happy meal toy may amuse them for ten minutes or so.
Good luck! And don't forget to encourage them to nap! Soft music on the radio... just don't put the driver to sleep!
Question about an 11 year old
- MommaForever007
on Jun. 19, 2012 at 8:46 PM