By Katie Brenneman
Summer is officially here!
For many families, that means hitting the road and going on a memorable vacation. While some kids are natural adventurers, others have a hard time leaving the comfort and routine of home – especially if it’s their first time.
It’s understandable that an unfamiliar road trip could feel overwhelming for some little ones, so what can you do about it? How can you get your kids excited about a summer road trip?
Let Them Pick the Place
Getting your kids involved in the planning stages of your road trip is a great way to foster excitement and help to ease any travel anxiety they might be dealing with. Give them some choices of kid-friendly destinations to choose from, and allow them to choose where you end up going as well as some activities to try along the way.
Building this sense of happiness in your kids won’t just make for an easier trip. It will encourage a zest for life, which can make them lifelong learners and feel a greater sense of achievement.
Don’t just let them get involved in the destination, but have them help with things like:
- Selecting which snacks to bring
- Coming up with road trip game ideas
- Packing the car with essentials, including water bottles, blankets, and a first aid kit
- Creating a road trip playlist
The more involved your kids are, the easier it will be for them to feel comfortable both on the road and at your destination.
Create a Comfortable Car Experience
If your child is anxious about a road trip because they don’t want to leave the comfort of their home and routine, do what you can to improve upon their experience. That might include bringing blankets or pillows from the house for long stretches of travel.
It might even include something a bit more extreme, like deciding on buying a new vehicle. Think about your wants and needs, how much you’ll be traveling, and safety features. It’s important for your kids to be comfortable, but it’s also essential that you enjoy driving your vehicle, especially if you plan on taking it on frequent road trips.
Bring Extra Help
Bringing multiple kids on a road trip is a great opportunity for family fun, but let’s face it – it’s a lot of work!
If you really want the experience to be enjoyable for everyone, consider bringing your nanny along. They’re already a crucial part of the family, so why not encourage some fun for them, while getting an extra set of hands to help with the kids, too?
Chances are, your children will love having them around, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your bond with their nanny and show them how much they’re appreciated. If you do decide to bring your nanny, prepare them and yourself by going over a few things ahead of time, including:
- Compensation
- Accommodations
- Schedules and responsibilities
It’s not too late to plan a summer road trip. Make it easier on yourself and your little ones by keeping these tips in mind, and there’s no reason everyone in the family can’t be excited about experiencing new places together.
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.