Planning a 10-hour drive to visit my parents with kids aged 4, 7, and 10. Last time we did this we stopped like 8 times and I wanted to scream. Looking for actual realistic strategies here - not "just be positive" stuff lol. Downloaded some audiobooks but what else? Are those tablet holders worth it or is that just more screen time problems?
Last time we did a long drive with similar ages, the one thing that saved us was a new dollar store toy every 2 hours. Sounds dumb but it worked. Kids got excited about the stops and had something fresh to occupy them.
Books on audio is underrated. We listened to a Wings of Fire series and even my 10yo was engaged. Made the time go faster for everyone including us.
Switch drivers every couple hours if you can. Keeps both adults sane. Also your parents are going to understand if the kids are a little wound up when you arrive. They remember doing this with you.
Okay so 10 hours with those ages is legit. Tablet time if you want it, no judgment. Download shows ahead of time because WiFi on drives is hit or miss. We also stopped at a park halfway and let them burn off energy for 30 minutes.
Did you try the activity books with the sticker approach? My 4 and 7yo had a blast with those. Less screen time if you want that, plus the 7yo can do them independently for stretches.
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The snack strategy matters more than people think. Not just any snacks though. Stuff that lasts like fruit pouches, dried mango, those cheese sticks. The 4yo especially needs something to work on.