Bonding on the Road

On family road trips, do you spend the entire drive listening to the music your kids 

prefer, playing their favourite games and generally doing everything you can to keep them content - and peaceful - in the car? It happens with the best intentions, but too often, parents sacrifice their own enjoyment to keep the kids happy, thinking they can't please everyone. But with some creativity and the right travel "tools", it's possible for everyone to enjoy the drive this summer.
 
Here are some ways parents can reclaim their fun on the family road trip:

• Sure, you want everyone to connect with each other in the car and enjoy all the sights they'll see. But it's also okay to set aside some non-talk time. Pop in music they've never heard of and introduce the kids to different musical genres. Even better, introduce them to "new" technology by making them listen to music on the car CD changer.

• Bestsellers, non-fiction, self-help and children's titles - audio books offer a great way for everyone to participate in the fun, including the driver. Look for material with age-appropriate content if you'll all be listening together. Make sure your pen drive, iPod or other storage memory is packed with enough titles to offer everyone a good choice.

• Playing games is a great way to pass time in the car, but if you dread the thought of playing one more princess or shape-shifting-robot-themed game, why not introduce the kids to games you loved as a child? Many require nothing more than your imagination, like group storytelling or verbal word games. Others like the low-tech classic Pac-Man, or any other electronic memory game you played as a kid, travel well in the car and provide challenging fun for all ages.

• Everyone will get hungry on the road, so if it's not yet time for a stop, a snack bag can save the day. Pack with balanced nutrition and broad appeal in mind. Travel-friendly options like fruit, crackers and whole-grain snacks can be appetising and satisfying. Be sure to toss in a few sweet treats for some extra fun. Look for nostalgic options that will appeal to kids while reminding adults of their own childhood. So when you stop for a wholesome breakfast, lunch or dinner on the way, be sure to also stock up on some sweet treats for the for the rest of the road.