Whether you are following a star or just following the signs on the motor way, car journeys are inevitable! After the stress of packing, seat allocation and getting the perfect temperature for everyone in the car, the last thing you want is professional complainers in the back seat. We have come up with 5 ways to entertain young passengers, none of which require batteries or a charger!
Car Quiz!
Evoke healthy competition and a thirst for knowledge by challenging your little ones to a battle of tiny-trivia. First off: tailor each question towards the individual kid. We’ve tried using personalised vocal buzzer noises, but that leaves room for the know-it-all (every family has one!) to answer all of them.
You may find your own trivial knowledge isn’t up to scratch, on which member of the Paw Patrol is a self-proclaimed environmentalist. In this instant, consult Professor Google. She is your best pal during this Car Journey Quiz.
Snnnaccks!
If your kids are anything like the recent viral baby who calls for snacks constantly, there are ways to make the whole car-snack thing easier. Remember: Nothing bittty and nothing smelly. By bitty I mean pop-corn (NIGHTMARE) and by smelly, I mean no stopping for chips and NO MILK. The clean-up will not be worth the five minutes of peace, trust me!
As modern mommas, let’s attempt to be healthy by tricking our kids into eating fruit. Dipping apple slices and strawberries into chocolate or yoghurt, works for us. Pure peanut-butter sandwiches are good too, because the substance sticks the bread together, so they can’t tear it apart (yes, we’ve thought of everything!) Tupperware exists for a reason. Use it. Also, do not attempt to give one little human more than you give the next little human. These creatures are smarter than you think, and they WILL NOTICE.
Travelling Tunes
If you are lucky enough to be one of two adults in the car, one of you will be the designated DJ with full auxiliary authority (yeah, right). If you rely on an app, do the whole “queue up” thing before the journey starts. Once you have made a playlist that includes five songs per person (or more depending on your ETA), queue ‘em up fairly, anticipating arguments based on precedent. Alternatively, vote on a CD before the journey starts. Remember: even if the stress of travelling forces you to become a democracy, you have the veto. Christmas is coming and some of the tunes these days can strain the mummy-mind!
Games!
Toys are a definite no in the car. If what they hold so dear happens to fall, you may find yourself pulling over to find the abominable thing, just to avoid a travelling-tantrum. Games are safer. They can’t be dropped, broken or be used to destroy the car!
“I spy” is an oldie, but a goodie. If you want to be all super-mom, try letting the pre-schooler in on the action by changing it up. Use the first sound rather than letter: “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with wi-wi…window!”. This way everyone can be included- and more importantly, distracted!
Giggles!
A recent addition to our family car journeys; “How well do you know me?” has to be the most hilarious game so far- keeping little minds occupied for longer! This is where each family member gets a chance to be the centre of attention (win) as well as the person who asks the questions (double win!)
The chosen one asks questions about themselves and the rest of you have to compete to see who knows them the best. We’ve had everything from “what’s mummy’s favourite colour” (black apparently) to “what’s mummy’s favourite drink” (red wine, hands down). You’ll be surprised at how much they know about you and how little you know about them!
You're more than welcome, mommas. Hang in there this winter and drive safely!
