Are We There Yet? How to Engage & Entertain Kids in the Car! Parenting Traveling With Kids Road Trips

Families spend a lot of time in cars. From kiddos being chauffeured back and forth to school, going to activities and/or community events and especially during the holidays! Rather than turning on the DVD player or giving in to electronic devices for the kids, engage with them! Play old car games! For example:

• I SPY ("I spy with my little eye something that…”)
• Slug Bug (My second car was a 63 VW Bug … loved her!)
• License Plate (Spotting out of state plates; add an extra challenge by doing it in order of inclusion to the USA – talk about challenging!!)

Another idea? Start a new tradition when your kiddos are in the car. Creating a positive mindset, or giving thanks, is something that can impact your child in a significant way. Help them set an intention. Setting intentions has many benefits including:

• increasing motivation
• improving self-esteem 
• boosting optimism

Additionally, having an intention helps us stay more fully present and mindful, leading to less impulsive behavior. Another benefit of your kiddo setting an intention – it gives you something to talk about on the road!

Here are more games to play in the car and ideas and tips for intention setting.