When you're traveling with children, you can expect just about anything.

The most difficult thing is keeping them occupied. We all have heard

Are we there yet..

I gotta go..I really gotta go.

Mary touched me..

That's my book.

I'm hungry.

When we were travelling long distances, with our three children, we tried everything to keep them busy or quiet.

Spelling games would be the start, then I spy with my little eye and animal sounds. We had our treats as well.

Many times we would have to stop on the side of the road for "I gotta go."

One of the better methods, I read about, was to give each child a roll of coins.

Explain to them that you would take coins away if they were not good.

This is good, especially if you are going on vacation. 

Traveling with children stories, would like to hear your story.

It could be a humorous story or a way that you found to keep your children occupied or quiet.

 Children Organizing

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CREATING A TRAVEL KIT

• pens, pencils, and crayons
• coloring books and drawing paper
• travel games
• favorite toy or stuffed animal
• books (picture or reading, depending on age)
• pillow and blanket
• Ziploc bags for storing small items
• plastic trash bags for wet clothes and garbage
• healthy snacks (dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
• bottled water or juice

FLYING WITH CHILDREN

• bring snacks in pre-packed ziploc bags
• give your infant a bottle to suck to reduce ear pressure
• bring a bag of toys, coloring books, etc. to keep kids occupied
• bring wet wipes, a rag, and a change of clothes for your kid
• request an aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom
• try not to sit in a middle or window seat with a fidgety child

KEEPING BUSY IN THE CAR

• play the alphabet game
• name all of the US states
• count license plates from other states
• make up a story (each person adding the next sentence)
• create a list of things your kids want to do when they arrive
• let your kids follow your route on the map
• avoid competitive games to fend off hurt feelings

LONG TRIPS -- AVOIDING THE CRANKIES

• avoid long periods trapped in the car
• make frequent stops to stretch and walk around
• plan interesting sights at regular intervals along the trip
• plan plenty of down time playing in the pool or at the hotel
• let your kids help plan the trip, picking their own stops
• set clear boundaries (about restaurants, budget, etc.)

PROTECTING YOUR KIDS

• pack plenty of ice and water, especially in hot weather
• buy personal battery-operated fans to avoid heat exhaustion
• give each kid a pair of sunglasses to stave off headaches
• pack a first aid kit with bandages and basic children's medications
• never leave kids alone in a parked car, even with windows down
• keep an eye on kids at rest stops