Long trips in an RV are enough to give even the most savvy
globetrotter a headache, but traveling with kids in your
Recreational Vechicle can be "Migraine City" if you’re not prepared
. However, with some advance preparation and a few creative tips
from parenting experts, you can start your RV Trip on a happy note.
Before you leave the house, it’s smart to pack more in your RV for
trip with kids. "If you want to keep your kids on their best
behavior , make sure you don't go too long between meals or snacks,
" says Leah Ingram, The Manners Mom.
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Fun snacks like animal crackers and jellybeans can double as
creative games when you’re tight on space. Parenting experts say a
little bit of play with food can actually stimulate young children
. Challenge your child to count the number of jellybean colors or
group animal crackers by species. It’s better to pack too many
snacks than not enough, since hunger is a surefire trigger of
temper tantrums. And, whether you’re in an recreational vehicle or
small car temper tantrums are never any fun.
A good rule of thumb is to bring a tote bag filled with games,
toys and a few surprises to keep your kids entertained and busy.
Small toys such as Polly Pocket!, aptly known as "the girl-on-the-
go," and Hot Wheels cars, coloring books and playing cards are
easy to pack and play.
"Don't pack all of the items for this RV trip with the kids around
so that they're pleasantly surprised when you reach for a new
distraction,"” says Lolita Carrico, founder of ModernMom.com, an
online community and resource for todays busy parents. Include the
whole family in a game of I Spy or the License Plate Game.
One way to engage your child in the trip and avoid the "are we
there yet?" syndrome is to bring disposable cameras for
documenting the journey. Let your child play the role of RV
photojournalist and give him or her a journal to write about the
trip and include photographs. Encourage your child to take photos
of your recreational vehicle at different destinations throughout
the trip. Your child will be so focused on documenting the journey
, he or she won’t have time to whine or complain, and your child
will have a fun project to complete when you get home.
Traveling can be hard on your body, so allow time for your
children -- and you -- to stretch. Children in car seats for
extended periods of time can get antsy and are prone to a pins-and-
needles sensation in their legs. "Allow them to run around at a
rest stop or wander the RV every couple of hours to avoid restless
meltdowns," says Carrico. By keeping your children on their
regular activity and sleep schedule, you’ll avoid the possibility
of them becoming grouchy or sleep-deprived. Don't forget to bring
along a favorite pillow, blankie or stuffed animals for easy
snoozing.
The best way to ensure your RV travel is enjoyable is to set the
right example for your child by using good manners with everyone
you meet. Well-mannered children have well-mannered parents. "Use
‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as much as you can when dealing with
folks during your travels and your children will pick up these
good manners themselves. Soon enough they'll be saying ‘May I
please’ and ‘No, thank you’ on their own," says Ingram.
