Taking a Road Trip With Kids? What You Need to Bring to Keep the Peace! by Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead

Taking a family road trip this summer? Want to reduce the number of times you hear, “Are we there yet?” Pack presents! Wrap some items from your local dollar store. Tell your kids that they’ll get one every X miles or after you spot license plates from five different states or after they’ve been argument-free for an hour – whatever you think will encourage them to stay positive. Need some ideas?

• sunglasses
• coloring or sticker books
• action figure or doll
• hand-held games and puzzles
• books

If you’re worried that you’re bribing them with gifts, don’t be! Think of it more like an incentive, not unlike the one you give yourself during a long drive (“OK, just 40 more miles and I’ll stop for a latte!”).