Going on a long trip with your kids can be quite an adventure, but the memories you make together will last a lifetime, and that makes all the preparation more than worth it. Of course, just taking off is out of the questions there are certain things parents need to do before the car leaves the driveway. And if you feel like you might be forgetting something, simply go over the steps in this article and you are bound to have a great worry-free journey with your kids.
Be safe
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If you take all the necessary safety precautions there will be a lot less to worry about on the road. The first step is to ensure that your car is a trip ready. Yes, we know it takes time to take the car to the mechanics and leave it there to be checked out, and it is especially inconvenient if you need that car to drive the kids to school, get to work and do the family shopping. This is why you should check if there are mobile mechanics available in your area. Australian moms have the option of calling a mobile mechanic and have them come to their home address and check out the car right in the driveway.. That way you can save time and ensure safety for your family.
Pack smart
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We, as moms, tend to overpack at times, this is, of course, nothing new. However, when you are on the road it is more about how you pack then how much you pack. You need to have everything available at all times, especially if you are hitting the road alone and you need to drive and distribute food and drinks. The first step is to determine the amount of food and snacks your kids are supposed to eat during each portion of the trip. That will ensure that they don’t get sick from overeating and will also limit the number of toilet breaks. You should pack separately for each portion of the trip so that you can get the food out from the bag easily and not have to worry about warning them not to eat too much. As for the clothes, if you want to avoid stopping and rummaging through the suitcases while on the road, make sure both you and your kids dress in layers. That way you can take off or put on clothes without having to look for additional items in the trunk. Just one more tip – zip-up sweatshirts are a definite must, easy to put on, open and take off, perfect for the road.
Pack for emergencies
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This is mandatory when it comes to travelling with kids. You need to expect the unexpected. This is why having both a customized first aid kit and an emergency kit is an absolute must. Of course, we all have the standard first aid kit in our cars, but that doesn’t have nearly enough items for all the possible events that might happen on the road with kids. You know your children best and that is why it is important to pack a first aid kit suitable for their individual needs. So first of all, if there are allergies involved, all the medications need to be at hand along with an EpiPen if things get worse. You also need a sufficient amount of wound disinfectant and bandaids, and some medication for an upset stomach. And if your kids suffer from car/motion sickness, make sure they take their meds before you go, and keep some at hand for the duration of the entire trip. Finally, don’t forget the standard vitamins and minerals that they take daily. As for the emergency kit, you should have thermal blankets ready. Along with a tent and some sleeping bags. If your route is too long you need to be prepared for emergency stops or other possible issues.
So there you have it all packed up and ready to go. Both your kids and you are now ready for that long-awaited car journey. Just make sure that if you decide to have an off-road adventure you also bring a satellite phone. The signal can be lost in certain remote areas and you need to have a communications line open at all times.
About the author:
Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about mental health, well-being, and healthy lifestyle at ripped.me. Claire on Facebook and Twitter.
