"Are we there yet?" "I need to go to the bathroom!" "I'm bored." These cliches of road trips with children would be funnier if they weren't so familiar to parents who drive.
But arm yourself with the right tools and techniques, and you can keep your children content and quiet for hours on the road. Here's what you can do before setting off.
The right clothes are key, say the drivers of the Auto Club Europa association. If your kids are wearing breathable and comfortable clothing, they will be able to cope better with higher temperatures and get less frustrated overall.
Picking the right time for getting started is also important. Babies and smaller children shouldn’t be disturbed in their usual routines. If you get on the road very early, they can keep sleeping in the car.
When it comes to food, make sure that the little ones are neither hungry nor stuffed when you get going. This also helps to prevent travel sickness.
Once on the way, healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables are a more sensible option to greasy or sweet treats. Staying hydrated is equally important, ideally with water or tea.
If one of them gets car sick after all, it will help calm the child's stomach if they fix their gaze on steady spot on the horizon. And if it's too late... let’s just hope you packed some plastic bags and paper towels.
On a long ride, let your child bring their favourite stuffed animal or toy to keep them company and prevent them from getting bored. Before you hand them a tablet with shows to watch, first try some audiobooks or singalong songs. And don't forget guessing games like "I spy with my little eye...".
Avoid setting the AC too low and directing the air flow directly at the body, even if it's very hot outside. This will prevent your child from getting a cold.
Even if it's more than 30 degrees outside, the ACE driving specialists say you shouldn't have a temperature difference of more than 6 degrees between inside and outside.
However many different tricks you try, your kids shouldn't be on the road for more than 5 hours a day, even if you take breaks, the ACE recommends.
During stops, it makes sense to walk around a bit, not only for children. Make sure you park your car in the shade, or else cover the dashboard with a light cloth to prevent it from heating up too much.
One last thing: never ever leave your kids or animals alone in the car, not even for a short time or when it doesn't seem that hot outside. The car's interior heats up quickly and can cause dehydration and heat stroke. - dpa
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