Lifestyle
Don’t Forget the Vacation Bookends! by Jennifer Jarosick
Before staying home with her children, Jennifer was a kindergarten teacher and a kindergarten/ first grade reading teacher. She also served as co-president and board member of a local MOMS Club chapter for several years. Jennifer has three children ages 7, 2 and 1 and is expecting another child later this year. If you have any comments, feel free to contact Jennifer at jenniferjarosick@ gmail.com.
With the last month of summer vacation ahead of us, many families are getting ready for one last road trip. As you start packing, don’t forget to prepare for the vacation bookends: the car ride. After a vomit-filled road trip with my little ones that was supposed to take seven hours but took ten, I realized how important it is to be prepared for anything. I asked around for some tips from a few people who are seasoned travelers and found some great ideas that might help as you pack for your vacation.
Pack a lot of snacks, healthy ones. Candy, sweets and treats filled with sugar will just make your car seat/ buckle bound children even more restless and hyper with no way of releasing their energy. Bring their favorite movies and maybe surprise them with one or two new ones. It might capture their attention for some of the drive. Make sure any electronics your child might use are charged or have fresh batteries, and keep a stash of extra batteries just in case. Before you leave, head to the dollar store and pick out a few items for each child. Wrap them like presents
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Around WALTON | July 2012
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Bring their favorite movies and maybe surprise them with one or two new ones. and on the long drive, every hour or so let your child/children pick out a present and open it. The anticipation of getting a present will be exciting and then they will get to spend time playing with their new toy, craft or book. This tip saved me on more than one car ride, and it’s also fun. Let each child pack a small bag full of self-picked activities; this will not only keep them busy on the car ride, but it will also be something for them to do during any down time on your vacation. Make sure there is a first aid kit, cleansing wipes and garbage bags in a handy place. You never know when you might have a “hazmat” situation in the backseat! And if you have kids in diapers, make sure there is a diaper bag that is handy and not packed underneath the heaviest suit case. A fun road trip is a great way to finish off your summer vacation and these are just a few tips to help make it a positive experience. If you have any more tips on taking long road trips with children, feel free to email me at jenniferjarosick@gmail. com. I wish each of you a fun vacation and a vomit-free road trip!