Today’s Homemaker

Whenever I mention our 14 hour car trips to visit grandparents, I get one of two responses: “Oh that’s nothing…me and my family of 8 recently drove 20 hours to [a farther off place]” or “What?! How did you survive with a two year old and a 10 month old???” Clearly, I like the second response best. It makes me feel like quite the hero.

But honestly, there are some things you just have to know if you are going to attempt such a journey sans-DVD player. Yes, the DVD player could help immensely, but for those of us less fortunate, we have a few other options:

1. Food. Lots and lots of food. - Now is not the time to bemoan the health risks of eating snack food for 12 hours straight. If they get too much, they will let you know, I promise. Of course, you can try and pack healthy snacks, but the most important thing is that you Don’t. Run. Out.
2. Books - Neither of my children get carsick yet. I don’t know why, but I didn’t either when I was younger. Maybe it’s an adult-onset thing. Anyway, I like to get a bunch of new ones from the library for the novelty factor.
3. Music - Enduring 5 hours of “Everybody’s going to the Alphabet Jam” is a slightly better alternative to hearing your infant cry out of the inevitable boredom and immobility that they are being forced to endure. We like to use the “fade” function on our CD player to put all of the music in the back speakers. It helps a bit.
4. Separation - Even though the middle seat IS the safest place for a car seat, you would be wise to separate your two year old from your baby by at least two arm’s lengths. Even though Big Brother may have never bothered Baby before, keep in mind that his little brain is desperately seeking entertainment. “What would happen if I did THIS?” can start a crying session that will not be pacified with a mere cracker.
5. Sleep deprivation - On your part. Leaving at 3am is a good idea, since your kids will be asleep for a good 4 or 5 hours before waking up for breakfast. Then they’ll be awake for just 3 or 4 hours before nap time gives you another few hours of sanity. You could always drive late through the night instead, but I find this to be very difficult, considering the hypnotic effects of driving on the highway. You might end up like this woman.
6. Pack several sippy cups - It’s very hard to mix your half-water, half-juice concoction while going at speeds up to 70 mph.
7. Keep toy replacements within (your) reach - When your toddler drops his Thomas the Tank engine, it’s helpful to have a different toy to hand to him in case it is (and it will probably be) simply unreachable. I can’t guarantee that this will work (in all likelihood, he will insist on having the dropped toy), but it’s worth a shot. To make this more effective, start off with the most boring toy and progressively hand him bigger and better things each time he drops the one he just had. Of course, should you have an exceedingly bright child (and I’m sure you do), this plan may backfire once he figures you out. Should this be the case, refer back to tip number one.

Any other methods of car trip survival I should know about?