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Lost in OzKeeping Your Kids Occupied Along Your Journey When you're traveling a hundred miles with a carload of people, it can seem If your small travelers are under the age of four, you've got a very difficult road ahead. If they are 'over the hill' it gets a bit easier, though kids are natural 'squirmers'. Before leaving your home, try to plan some activities that will occupy your small fry along the journey.
Invest in a box of colors, a color book with a theme that interests them, a few storybooks, and a headset with CD's or tapes of their favorite music. A small TV helps in some instances, but generally, it's more trouble than it is worth. A 'View Master' is another toy that can occupy your child. When the kids bore of their books and colors, try some 'road' games. 1. Give them your travel atlas and ask them if they can show you the path of your trip. Plan to make a salt map of the states you visit when you return home. This gives them something to look forward to, reminds them that there is an end in sight, and the mention of home adds a calming effect. 2. Play the 'License-Plate' game. This is a pretty well known game that's fun for most kids. Ask them to study the license plates of the passing cars and see how many different state plates they encounter. 3. If you come across a state 'visitors' center, take time to stretch your legs and investigate the center. Allow your child to collect a few brochures that interest him/her. This will provide some new reading material once you're back on the road. Once you have re-entered your vehicle, ask them if they can find these points of interest on the road atlas. If you are near one of these spots, consider stopping if it's reasonable and worth the extra time. 4. 'Car Bingo' is a game that is similar to the License-Plate game. This is also a pre-planned game – or you can crudely create the game if you have some paper and a pencil or pen. Before you leave on your trip create 'bingo' cards that have many different icons on them. You may use things like trees, houses, animals, stop signs, lights, barns, windmills – the possibilities are endless. Whenever you pass an object on the card, mark it off with a crayon. The first person to fill in their entire card wins. 5. Before your trip, visit your local toyshop and purchase some hand-held games. These games are specifically made for use on trips. Your kids will enjoy the mental activity. 6. If possible, take along a pet. A pet can provide hours of enjoyment for your child along the journey. 7. Take breaks every now and them along your journey. It's good to stretch your legs and clear your thoughts – and it's good for your kid's too! Grab a beverage and a snack to revitalize. Give your kids a quick neck massage to wake up tired muscles. Be sure and have them visit the restroom wherever you stop. Spontaneous restroom breaks can really lengthen a trip.
8. Remember to take pillows and blankets in the event your child gets sleepy. They should always leave on their safety belts! 9. Allow your child to collect inexpensive souvenirs along the way. You may help establish a life-long hobby for them. 10. Invest in a disposable or inexpensive camera and give it to your child to take photos of the family and the attractions along the way. 11. Sing! 12. Talk with them, but perhaps more importantly, let them talk to you. Remember, a happy journey is a good journey!
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like a thousand miles before you reach your destination. Some tips and fun games your kids can play on the road to 'Balli'…..
