Tips to survive long car journeys
Generations of parents have heard that question from the back seat of the car. And many are well versed in the art of saying ‘Quiet! Stop fighting. We’re almost there.’
Travelling in the car with small children can be stressful. Nothing can spoil what might otherwise have been an enjoyable trip quite like grizzling, whining or nagging from the back seat.
Fact is, children tend to find travelling in the car boring. If they have nothing to do, then they misbehave. It is difficult to deal with car misbehaviour, especially if you’re driving, and some parents find it easier to stay at home, but a little preparation in advance can make a big difference.
Plan your car travel around meal and sleep times so as not to disrupt your children’s normal routines.
Prepare your children for the trip and explain what is happening: “In two more sleeps we are going to Grandma’s house. It will be a very long trip. We won’t be there until it is very dark.”
It may be a good idea to set a few rules. For example, “Remember our rule that we are not allowed to fight or touch each other when we are in the car.”
If the rule is broken, discuss with your children what will happen: “If we fight, we will need to pull over and wait quietly until we are ready to go again.”
Children knowing the rules, and you knowing how you will deal with problem behaviour, will help reduce the chances of raised voices, everyone getting uptight, and a better time had by all.
Make a picnic and stop at a park to eat. Even if this adds another half an hour to your journey time, everyone will feel better after a run around and toilet stop.
Little bottoms get very sore from sitting in car seats for an extended period. Try taking a 20-minute break every couple of hours to relieve restless legs and backsides.
It’s also a good idea to avoid peak travel times, not to feed children sugary food while travelling, and never to go anywhere without several pre-wet face cloths packed in plastic bags. These are great for sticky hands and faces, or unexpected car sickness.
Pack one day’s change of clothes in a supermarket bag for each child. Also pack a spare plastic bag in each bag for soiled or dirty clothes, especially for children prone to car sickness.
Dress your child comfortably and take their shoes off in the car.
Whenever you stop, change the location of where your children are sitting in the back seat — ie. move the child sitting on the left — hand side to the right and vice versa.
Meanwhile, cats and dogs can be fearful of car travel because of the motion, the noises, and because they can’t see where they are going. It’s not a great idea to let your cat or dog roam freely, however, as it may get under your feet, distract you or hide under the seat and escape when you get out of the car.
Cats should always be transported in a cage or carrier, which, placed on a booster seat so Puss can see out the window, might reduce the rate of piteous meowing.
The cage or carrier should be secured by a seat belt, and a harness and lead might well be useful if you want to let the cat out for a break on a long trip.
Line the cage of carrier with newspaper or a towel to keep the cat comfortable, and be sure to have water and biscuits for them.
Like children, some cats may get car sick; discuss options with your vet. Some prescription drugs work more reliably than over-the-counter products.
To transport your dog safely you should also use a crate, carrier or harness, secured by seat belts.
Make sure you have a lead, water bowl and dry food, and talk to your vet if your dog shows signs of anxiety or car sickness.
Never ever leave any pet in a parked car in warmer weather, even with the windows down. Even on an overcast day the temperature inside a car can rise to a lethal level within minutes.
Heat stress can be a killer.