Today was MOPS, and we had several speakers on the topic of Boredom Busters, or how to keep your kids happy in the car during holiday travel. I was the last to speak at the meeting, and I thought I would share my tips for keeping the kids happy in the car with all of you too.

If you find yourself spending extra time in the car, and the kiddos are getting restless, here are a few tips that have helped be out.

• Pack along a small tote or small back-pack filled with your child’s favorite toys, and rotate the stockpile of toys often. You can purchase a small plastic container to keep in the car at all times inexpensively at your favorite store. We like to bring along picture books, travel sized magna doodle, and travel sized aqua doodle. All of these items store well, and aren’t too messy either.
• If your child has a favorite noisy toy that they insist on bringing along, locate the speaker on the toy, and cover it with painter’s tape. The tape is low tack, and won’t leave a sticky residue on the toy, but it will muffle the sound.
• The car is also a great place to practice learning colors and spotting letters. We like to play “I Spy” while waiting in the car. Dylan likes to look for something orange, and something that starts with the letter B. The game keeps kids busy in the car, and enjoying the scenery too.
• Bring small snacks and juice boxes for your car trip. Taking the time to pack healthy snacks for the kiddos will save you time, money, and a trip through the drive-thru.
• If a long car trip is on the horizon, I like to use Google Maps or Map Quest to help plan the fastest route of the trip, and also spot some much needed rest stops along the way.
• If the weather is nice visit a park that you haven’t been to before, and have the kids pick up some leaves for a craft project. Making sure that the kiddos get out of the car often to stretch their legs will make for a happier car ride, and the fresh air just might bring on a much needed nap too.
• If your kids are older let them be the “navigator” of your car ride. Print off an extra map for them, and let them help with the directions.
• Bring your camera and extra batteries, so you don’t miss out on any photos of your adventure.
• Don’t forget the music. Pack along some of your favorite cd’s and your kiddos too. Let them sing along, and play “car-trip Karaoke”
• Always plan for the unexpected… If your kiddos are anything like mine, and car rides can bring on some tummy troubles, you need to be prepared. Pack an extra change of clothes (or two) for each of your kids, along with plenty of diapers and wipes too. I also keep a small trash can lined with plenty of plastic bags (just in case), and a roll of paper towels in the car too. You never know when you are going to need them.
• Have your child bring along a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for the car ride too. Having their favorite bear might just calm their little worries.
• If the weather is going to turn cold, I bring along a few extra blankets, just in case there is car trouble. I also like to keep an emergency kit in the trunk during the winter months. Always make sure and have your cell phone charged and ready just in case their is an emergency.
• Don’t forget to remind Grandma, or whomever you are visiting to put away the breakables and baby-proof if you have small children that are crawling or toddling.

I hope these tips make your holiday travel a little more peaceful this holiday season.