With the holiday season upon us, I’d like to offer up a few lessons I’ve learned during my time on the holiday circuit. The tips are for making road travel in your Ford stress free, but I’m sure you could use some of them for planes, trains, rocket ships or whatever.
1) Pack the essentials:
a. Diapers, wipes, burp cloths, changes of clothing (in case there are any spills), snacks and drinks, favorite blankies or toys, etc. Basically whatever is necessary to keep everyone clean, full, warm, dry and relatively happy.
b. Music: There are tons of CDs that are geared toward kids. Check out the Boy in the Shade album, “Be the Tree,” that includes a song about Grandma and Grandpa, which could warm up your kids for the imminent visit with those cheek-pinching, desperate-to-be-the-grandkids’-favorite-person people. Or surf the Kids’ Stuff channel on Sirius Satellite Radio also plays good family music. Or you can do what I’m trying to do and use the time to introduce your children to the Beatles or any other music you’re keen on.
c. Videos: Even if you don’t have the built-in DVD entertainment system in your car, download some child-friendly material for your iPod or iPhone, or invest in a portable DVD player so your child can watch “Finding Nemo” for the thousandth time. This will buy you a little semi-quiet time in the car.
2) Since the holiday season coincides with winter, be sure your car is tuned and geared up. Check the tire pressure, change your oil, include an emergency roadside pack (be sure to include jumper cables, roadside flares, a flashlight, etc.) in the trunk of your Ford.
3) Allow enough time to get to your destination with several stops factored into your trip. Be sure to take the time to stop at some of the parks or fast-food restaurants with play areas along the way. The kiddos will love the chance to get out and stretch their legs, and you can take the opportunity to use the restroom, change a diaper and breathe some different air.
4) Go old school. Turn the radio, DVD players and cell phones off and play I Spy or 20 Questions, sing songs or share your greatest hopes and dreams. It’s called family interaction, and with all the external technology we’re bombarded with these days, we probably could use a little more of it. A car trip is a great time to engage with and enjoy your children.
5) Drive in the zen zone. Find a mantra and repeat it to yourself again and again and again. Do whatever works for you: Ommm, Ford, Drive One. Use your mantra and allow the calming repetition to keep you relaxed when traffic gets bad, other drivers get nasty or your kids start screaming.
If none of this sounds like fun to you, tell your family you’re not traveling and make them all come to your house, then give them a copy of the above list and wish them luck!