I’m always vowing to never bring The Child on a long car journey again… until I invariably forget this vital mantra and find myself 3 hours deep in a 7 hour car journey to the Granny’s house, developing late-onset scoliosis from being permanently turned around, performing a sock puppet show to try and placate the testy toddler.
I know what you’re thinking: Where in Ireland takes 7 hours.
Answer: Everywhere when my family’s involved.
10 EASY Steps to Getting Away for the Easter Break:
1. Think long and hard about whether or not this will be worth it
Decide to go anyway.
2. Prepare an assortment of dry car snacks
No sauces or anything sticky.
3. Assemble an arsenal of entertaining items to be thrown on the floor one by one
The smaller and more likely to become lost under the front seats the better
4. Start a row with your other half about 1 hour prior to departure
This is mandatory.
5. Do not enter the vehicle without first ensuring that you have a pounding headache
This will only intensify as the journey progresses, which will exponentially increase your relief when you finally reach your destination. Bonus.
6. Definitely, definitely plan an ambitious scenic route
There’s no way this won’t be fab. Three extra unnecessary hours in the car is every 2 year-old’s dream activity right?
7. Plan an educational excursion during the scenic hell-route
Every child will feel rewarded by an hour long tour of Clonmacnoise, right?
8. Try to ensure that you are driving on what will inevitably transpire was the sunniest day of your trip
In fact, what am I saying “try” – whichever day you set off will be the best day of the weekend because that is a law of life.
9. Definitely forget something vital
Like spare Valium…
10. Decide on reflection that every minute of overheated, cranky, sticky car time was worth it
Then remember that there’s still the drive home.
Heading away this weekend? Check out our 10 simple ways to keep the kids entertained on road trips
What’s your tips for entertaining the kids during car journeys? Let us know in the comments…
