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TIPS for getting organized for the5 FAMILY ROAD TRIP

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AMY TOKOS

Afamily road trip is lled with new sights, car games, family time and probably a little too much “mom” or “dad” being called from the back of the van. Organize your car so kids can help themselves. It creates independence and fewer interruptions between stops.

1. PACK THE BACKPACK

Kids are better travelers when they’re entertained. But that doesn’t mean we need to keep them busy the entire time. Each traveler can pack a backpack with their entertainment for the trip. Mom and Dad are welcome to make suggestions, but let the kids decide what will be the most fun during the ride. There can be limits. For example, it has to t in the backpack and it can’t be messy. Kids also love to play on their electronics and watch movies during the drive. This is a great way to pass the time, but set some limits. A good road trip has activity time, movie time and an opportunity to experience our beautiful country while staring out the window.

2. SNACKS

Car trips are a great time to have special snacks. Homemade trail mix is not only nutritional but also a great memory for kids as they grow up. When children are little, Mom is typically the snack dispenser. As kids get a little older, let them have snacks in their own bag. You can do this by giving them a morning round of snacks, which they can eat any time. Distribute the afternoon round later. This helps them manage their snacks and keeps you free from being the dispenser.

3. STOPS

We can shoot for the “iron butt” award, or we can take a little time to enjoy the drive. You can decide what kind of experience you want and when you do, communicate it to the whole family. If this is going to be a “Let’s get to Grandma’s as fast as we can” kind of trip, then everyone in the car needs to know that in advance. If you have a little time, make the stops and enjoy the journey. A welcome center will have brochures for all sorts of things to do while visiting. You might not be able to t it all in, but you will learn a lot about what the state you’re traveling though has to offer.

4. MESS MANAGEMENT

Cars and kids can get quite messy during road trips. Keep hand wipes and paper towels or napkins in the car to help with clean up. Keep a trash bag near the kids. Before each stop, have the kids collect all the trash in the vehicle and empty it at each stop.

5. SAFETY

An emergency car kit is a must. Include a rst aid kit, road ares, rain ponchos, jumper cables, ashlight and high-protein snacks. Always have a few extra bandages for scraped knees and elbows that kids typically get when they run around in unfamiliar places. In winter, blankets and re starters are musts.

Amy Tokos is a certifi ed professional planner and the owner of Freshly Organized. Find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.