Last week, we took a four day trip to Rhode Island. Rhode Island! Not far, right? Not a long trip. Doesn't matter. My SUV looked like the station wagon Chevy Chase drove in "Vacation." Boogie boards, pails, shovels, Pillow Pets and Buzz Lightyear sleeping bags were all piled up to the roof. Oh yeah, don't forget the Transformers, perfectly jammed in a bag with equal parts Autobots and Decepticons. Honestly, I can't remember what it means to pack light. After all that arranging and bundling, I chugged caffeine and prepared myself for two hours of bickering boys shouting, "Are we there yet?" Ah, a parent's life.
But, Dana Hilmer of Madison, who calls herself "The Lifestyle Mom" says she has the secrets to summer vacation success. She has taken her mini-van to (gasp) Wisconsin and (gasp) Arkansas with (gasp) three boys in the back. She advises, "It's thinking about the road trip itself not just planning for the destination. Take the stops when they need it. Let them run around and, go ahead, see the sites. It doesn't have to be a race."
Hilmer, an author with an internet radio show and web site, tells parents to think about food, comfort and entertainment. Ease up on your video game rules for just one week. Indulging in some technology can really keep the peace. "If they have their own turf and their own fun things, they'll enjoy it." But, don't forget to engage in old-fashioned activities, too. Have a sing along! Play The Alphabet Game with highway signs. A little creative fun goes a long way.
One of my techniques? I let Sam and Ben pack their own "fun bags." They run around the house gathering up all sorts of stuff they desperately need and actually never touch. It gives me a half hour to pack the car. This is how we end up with all of the balls from "The Hungry, Hungry Hippo" game but no board. Is the time worth it? Probably!
Go ahead...share your roadtrip horror stories...or, your secrets for survival! Can't wait to hear 'em!
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