Keep your children entertained on that long road trip with these tips
Linda Mathebula, an educational therapist, offers expert advice on fun activities and games to make your road trip a success.
POLOKWANE – Festive season road trips can be a thrilling experience for the whole family, but let’s face it – keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge!
Linda Mathebula, an educational therapist, offers expert advice on fun activities and games to make your road trip a success.
“We all know that during the festive, family holidays are always exciting, however, the question remains, what do you do with kids during the car trip, long flight or other waiting time? Kids, especially those younger than five can be irritated or agitated quickly,” Mathebula said.
She added many families are probably preparing for their already. “As excited as everyone is, family vacations can be challenging for the children as they get bored easily. The best thing that parents hope for is that their children sleep the whole way.”
What to do:
• Take some craft work that can be done in the car to keep them busy on the road. This includes colouring-in books, stickers or drawing books (make sure they have clip boards to support their books on).
• Take story books along to read on the way
• Make the trip semi-educational by asking them to Google the destination to find out more about the place, the activities they have there, how far is it from home etc.
• Journal with your children by asking them to write what they like to do for fun, the type of food they like or their favourite movies.
• Play card games or charades with your phone and pair yourselves in the car (without distracting the driver).
• Snacks can also be used to teach your kids counting or colour games as they eat.
• Capture places you’re driving past and ask your kids if they know what they see or if they know the places (remember you’re also keeping these pictures as memories).
“These activities align more for car road trips. If the family is flying overseas for a trip, then games on devices are the best option for children (if they’re not asleep), because people prefer peace and quiet on the plane.”
