** Create as relaxed an atmosphere as possible, and start out at the time most appropriate for your children. Some families prefer to get an early start and schedule a number of sightseeing and dining stops for breaks. Others prefer planning to do a large chunk of the driving at night when the kids are asleep. Although it's often more tiring to drive at night, sleeping children are quiet and relaxed -- not cranky and fighting. Drive times can be faster, since fewer rest stops are required. Remember to get gas before the kids fall asleep, though, because stopping often wakes them up.
** Understand your family's limits, and respect them. Schedule a number of rest stops, and make sure to get the kids out of the car for some exercise. Younger children will need to stop more frequently than older ones. Don't try to stretch your driving time too far, and stop only when family members are tired and cranky. It will make for a very tough driving experience.
** If your children tend to argue about space in the back seat, place a small suitcase, toy bag, or diaper bag between them.
** Make sure to use the proper seat belts and restraints when traveling with your children. If being in a car seat makes your child fussy, consider having one of the adults ride in the back seat for awhile. Tapes often helped us to calm our younger children, and singing together has also been a life saver. What ever you do -- do not take the kids out of the belts, car seats, etc. Put safety first. Tell the kids you are doing this because you love them ... and besides, you're sure they wouldn't want you to get arrested!
** On long trips, back seat arguing is almost always a problem in our car. From talking to other parents, it sounds like it's a fairly universal problem. Some techniques that have worked for us are:
· Giving each child $3-$5 in quarters at the start of the trip, and deducting from their stash if they misbehave. Of course, through good behavior they can always earn back what they've lost;
· Pulling over on the side of the road and telling them we are not going to move until their behavior improves;
· Telling older kids that we are not going to get involved -- they need to work it out on their own;
· Distracting them with a new toy, a rest stop, or a cool snack.
** Allow kids to bring a small pillow or neck rest. That eliminates some of the potential back seat squabbling (i.e. "MOM! She's laying on MY side of the car!"), and makes it easier for kids to rest.
** Get a small mesh back or backpack, and allow the kids to pack it with some of their favorite toys and games for the trip.
** Expect food to spill in your car. Think about putting down a sheet and/or plastic liner to protect your upholstery from nasty stains. Make sure to pack paper towels and a garbage bag for use in the car, but watch to make sure the bag is kept away from small children.
** If you're going to be eating in the car, bring some plastic containers or shoe boxes to hold the food.
** If your child is in a car seat, tie some small toys on to the restraint so that they're in easy reach and can't get lost.
