Best Self Family Post
Car Rides & Family Fun
11/20/23
Heading on a trip with your family? If you’re anxiously anticipating how to cope with a long car ride and keep children calm, you are certainly not alone! By popular demand, I’m here to share fun ways to pass the time in safe and enjoyable ways - maximizing your memory making.
Extended time in the car can sometimes lead to arguments and sibling rivalry, but it does not have to be that way. Road trips come with their stresses, but they are also the perfect time for family bonding. Try incorporating games and conversation rather than resorting to extra screen time. While screen time may be the preferable choice for many kids, make the option of spending uninterrupted quality time with the family more desirable.
Providing children with the power of choices means you will have the best chances for success. For instance, let each child have a chance to choose a song(s), where you stop for food, or even which seat in the car to sit in. Each of these provide an opportunity to make choices and take turns. Check out the list below for a quick brainstorm and with a little planning, ensure a fun time in the car for your whole family!
Classics: I spy, 20 questions, sing along
Alphabet game: Find places along the road that start with each letter of the alphabet. For example, A is for Applebee’s, B is for Best Buy and so on. Keep going until the entire alphabet is completed. You can take turns or shout out the answer when you see it.
Name the artist: The first person to name the artist of the song playing gets a point. Keep playing until you reach your destination and whoever has the most points upon arrival wins the game. Otherwise, you can play to a certain amount of points (i.e. first person to 10 points wins).
License plate game: The goal is to spot as many license plates from different states as possible. Try to find all 50! Can be collaborative or competitive.
Road trip scavenger hunt: Find as many items off the list as possible!
Triple threat: Parent/caregiver names three nouns and the child has to come up with a story that includes each of them. For example, “monkey”, “airplane”, “flower”
In my suitcase: A fun way to show off your memory skills! The first person starts by saying, “I’m going on vacation and I packed…” They will then finish the sentence with any item that begins with the letter A. The next player must repeat the sentence said by the first player and add an item to the list beginning with the letter B. For example, the first player would state “I am going on a vacation, and I packed an apple. The next person would say “I am going on a vacation, and I packed an apple and a banana.” Keep the pattern going until you make it to the end of the alphabet! If someone messes up, no big deal, just start over and try again!
Backseat bingo: A fun and easy way to pass the time. It is also a great opportunity to be mindful of your surroundings. Chances are there are beautiful sights to see along the way! Bingo cards: https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/road-trips/articles/road-trip-bingo
Whether you play a game or engage in fascinating discussions, it is important to value this time together. Providing an opportunity for collaboration, choices, and cohesiveness will deter conflicts from arising. Make it a point to utilize the time to connect with one another. As a society, our default tends to lean towards diving into our devices when it comes to travel or passing the time. While understandable, there are many other meaningful ways to remain present and appreciate the time had with your family.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and safe travels to wherever your adventures take you and your family!