Traveling With Children

Step 1

Make sure you have things to make the kids physically comfortable. Attach sun shades to  windows to keep the back of the vehicle cool. Make sure each child has a blanket in case they get cold from the air conditioner.  Stow a small pillow for each child to ensure comfortable napping; neck pillows are ideal for kids stuck in middle seats.

Step 2

Dress every child in his most comfortable clothes. Let kids wear pajama bottoms, oversized T-shirts and bedroom slippers if they want. Ask each child to keep one sweatshirt or light jacket with him in the car. They can use it if they are cold or need it to throw on at the rest stop. 

Step 3

Load a bag with snacks. Keep it within your reach, or stow it in the trunk and pull out a few new items at every stop. Pick low-sugar foods, since you don't want confined kids on a sugar rush; nutrition experts suggest string cheese, whole nuts, rice cakes and sliced oranges and apples as tasty low-sugar snacks. Give out a snack every few hours to keep kids feeling satisfied. Keep a jug of water in a cooler to refill everyone's water bottles periodically.

Step 4

Give each child a paper bag to fill with books, video games, stuffed animals or handheld devices -- including earphones and extra batteries -- to keep at his seat. Ask that he pack the rest of his toys in his suitcase to prevent the car from feeling like it's stuffed with junk. Pick up a few surprises, like new coloring books and handheld travel games, to pull out once you're on the road.

Step 5

Schedule stops every two to three hours. Insist each child get out of the car during each stop, unless he's asleep. Lead everyone in a five-minute walk around the rest stop, or pull the car over to an empty corner of the parking lot and lead kids in a quick round of yoga stretches and jumping jacks. Everyone will feel much less antsy once back in the car.