'ARE we nearly there yet?’ is an all too familiar question that strikes terror in the heart of many a hassled parent, especially when you have barely left your own drive.
Whether you are setting off for a annual jaunt towards holiday cottage, hotel or caravan or are visiting relatives in a faraway town, how to keep your children amused can prove even more stressful than actually finding your destination.
Our favourite game is spotting pub signs and giving points for how many legs the subject has – so The Prince of Wales gets two while the Coach and Horses is a sure winner!
Even before you start thinking of strategies to keep their minds occupied, make sure they are comfortable and be prepared to stop several times en route.
If your children are fighting, it has probably been too long since you stopped! Is a good rule of thumb.
But how to stop them squabbling out of boredom is the real challenge.
There are a number of tried and tested remedies that go far beyond ‘I Spy’ to help grab their attention when they have had enough of looking out of the window.
Obviously, the younger they are, the easier it is to capture their imagination – even if it means making the right noises when they spot their favourite farmyard animal.
There is a wealth of advice online to help keep even the most demanding of children of all ages amused. Online advice for on the road Loads of brilliant ideas and games are included here – from playing a tape of the Harry Potter books to various ‘spotting’ games. Also explains the much-loved Kevin Bacon game and has great tips on making the journey more bearable for all involved.
This excellent parenting website offers common sense guidance on how to make each journey an adventure for younger children and details some good fun ‘quiet games’ for when it all gets a bit much for Mum and Dad.
Comprehensive advice on how to reduce stress levels when on the move with children too young to take part in games but who can, nevertheless, cause quite an upset! Includes advice on what to pack for cars, planes, boats and on foot.
Why not check out the travel games in the Have a Lovely Time shop if you fancy trying something different? Not just for the journey, but when you get there too. From top trumps to Travle Scrabble, there's plenty of fun to be had!
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