1. Plan ahead, to make your road trip more comfortable. This can be especially helpful for children who struggle with changes in routine.
- Give your children advance notice about when you’ll leave, and where you’re going. You may like to check out brochures or websites together, with an overview of sights you’ll see. Some children may also benefit from a visual schedule, if any specific events or experiences are guaranteed to occur during the trip.
- Map out family-friendly rest stops, and encourage children to stretch and play during these breaks.
- Consider traveling at night, to make the time spent in a vehicle less stressful.
- Have an adult sit in the back seat occasionally.
2. Bring simple activities that suit your child’s interests and needs. Aside from devices, these could include:
- A “busy basket” with books, music, craft materials, sticky notes for a window collage, etc.
- Whiteboards and markers
- Felt shapes and toy cars (backdrops and tracks can be made by gluing felt to foam or cardboard)
- Large magnets to place on a tin box or small cookie sheet
- Items to soothe and prevent overstimulation (i.e., a favourite stuffed animal, sunglasses, earplugs or headphones, etc.)
3. Pack the priorities:
- First Aid kit
- Information about all prescriptions, diagnoses and higher support needs
- Contact details for doctors, relatives, and roadside assistance
- Healthy and relatively mess-free snacks
- Extra clothes and zip-lock bags, kept handy in case quick changes are required.
Enjoy your trip!