Ever heard any of these statements coming from the backseat no less than 10 miles from home? If you’re heading out on the road this summer with the family there are many ways to ‘ease on down the road.’ Here are some helpful tips from area parents to help make your trip enjoyable for all.

Lisa Sarni, mother of two from Stillwater, always packs ‘sing-a-long’ CD’s and cassettes available at any music store. In addition, she never leaves home without magnetic game boards that you can purchase from any quality gift store or any larger variety store.

Growing up in Texas meant days and days in a car even before leaving the state! My father loved to drive, so many of our early vacations started with packing up the oversized ‘family wagon’ and heading north to Canada. My younger brothers and I were banished to the backseat for days. . . months. . . years . . . on our family journeys. As you can imagine, from time to time, we got a bit ‘antsy.’ My mother took great pride in preparing a ‘Grab Bag’ for those times when the natives in the backseat were restless. When the decibel level rose, we would pull over, close our eyes and reach into the magical ‘bag’ that included comic books (pre-Game Boy days), coloring books and washable markers, magazines, matchbox cars, board games and snacks.

Other items to bring along can include:

• CD walkman with headphones
• Game Boy or any other electronic games
• Books
• Travel books specifically for children that include games and fun activities, like cat’s cradle
• Youth magazines
• Magnetic games
• Teach the kids to knit or crochet
• Bring the lap top computer. Don’t forget the car adapter for power.
• Sketch pad and pencils
• Pillow, stuffed animals or any other ‘comfort’ item for little ones.

On our 15-hour drive to Myrtle Beach each year for our family reunion, my daughters love to ‘do hair’ on long journeys. Bring along the ‘101 new hairstyle book’, brushes, combs, barrettes and clips and try new styles.

Most importantly, you can take this invaluable time together to talk and get to know each other again. With our busy lifestyles, work, school, etc., we don’t take enough time to enjoy each other’s company.

ENJOY THE TRIP!