8 things you should never do on long car journeys with kids

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1. Take the scenic route

Parents: this is not about you. Any detours and stop-offs should be strictly for the children’s benefit. So no going out of the way to drop in on aunt Edna (who isn’t really an aunt) who you haven’t seen for ten years; no going cross-country because mum gets nervous on the motorway. As a rule, long schleps with the kids are about getting from A to B as quickly (within the speed limit) as possible.

2. Think they won’t get hungry for a couple of hours

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Even if kids’ stomachs are full, it’s amazing how they start rumbling as soon as the engine does. Load up on snacks, you won’t regret it.

3. Ignore them when they say “I feel sick”

Nobody likes a whiney kid. But a short delay and some amateur dramatics is always preferable to having the inside of your car redecorated with ‘hint of Pom-Bear’. Always. Same goes for “I need a wee”.

4. Assume they’ll entertain themselves

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“I’m bored” is right up there with “I feel sick” and “I need a wee” as the back seat’s most used phrase. Old-school games such as ‘I Spy’ still go down a storm with today’s generation while mess-free crafts are always popular. And hold off on portable TVs and consoles as long as you can; once they’re glued to a screen, there’s no going back.

5. Put on your favourite music

Tubular Bells might have been groundbreaking in 1973 but to kids it’ll never be as good as ‘Mr Tumble sings Little Mix’. Want to “educate them”? Wait until you’re home.

6. Take sleeping for granted

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Yes, those young enough to be in reclining seats would be expected to close their eyes at some point on a long journey. But the energetic and those prone to over-tiredness need a little encouragement. Leave at the crack of dawn, late at night, or else pack their favourite teddy, pillow or some other form of comfort to help them relax.

7. Lose your rag

It’ll only make things worse. Treat anything like it’s a big deal and children will make it one. Stay calm, and for a bit of novelty, swap places with one of them, not forgetting to turn the passenger seat air bag off if you’re putting a child seat in the front. Speaking of safety…

8. Forget to central lock the car

Toddlers, in particular, are instinctive. And they may wonder “what this lever does” in the middle of the M6. Nuff said.

From in-car entertainment to safety essentials, you’ll find everything you’ll need for a child-friendly road trip at eBay. Discover more at eBay