Just needed to vocalize to get it out to avoid passing the feelings on to the fam.
Starting a road trip with two young ones. Kind of stressed about it - we’re doing 30+hrs total car-time over the next couple of weeks.
Have lots of contingencies for the car ride, planned lots of stops, have lots of snacks and some new distractions for the kids.
Trying to tell myself over and over it’s not about getting there, it’s about making a day out of the drives. It’s a very different approach to how I’ve always traveled - usually my wife and I would just power thru and get there. With a potty trainer and a new walker I’m still coming to terms with expecting to stop every 30m. Idk that my heads totally there yet and wanted to share, even if just to put my thoughts on “paper”.
How have other dad’s out there had success with young ones on long trips? Any tips or ideas are welcome :)
I haven’t tried this yet, but here is a tip I was given for toddler-aged kids. Buy a bunch of toys from the dollar store. Gift wrap them. Place them in a large bag. Every hour or so, let your kid(s) pick another toy from the bag. Just one. The process of getting to pick a gift wrapped toy, open it, and then play with the new toy for awhile should keep the entertained. Not sure if you can kill 30 hours with that, but should help for a good while.
Edit: I feel I should add that the toys should not be choking hazards. And for your own sanity, shouldn’t make a mess.
My wife got a couple of new toys for the kids off Amazon for this reason and they have done exactly what you mentioned. Got us an hour here or there on the longer stretches for the first leg.
At one point a McDonalds happy meal toy did the same thing so in a pinch that was kind of nice.
Tablet works wonders for my older one unless we’re on any sort of windy road. The little one just wants to be out walking around so that’s where most of our energy goes.
Has been fun so far, we’re 1/3 of the way there & called an audible to split 2 of the 7-8hr (by Google so longer in reality) driving days in half. It means a couple of extra nights in hotels but it should be easier on everyone.