Travelling with Kids

My son normally falls asleep on long journeys, but he has a mirror that he likes looking in, toys on his carseat that make noises, have different textures, he has 2 books on it and a spiral toy. Audio books, his favourite music and nursery rhymes, episodes of his favourite cartoons. I also bring his favourite toys and blanket.

I would love to know others ideas too.

When I was about 11 I used to play a game in the car that’s all about counting the oncoming traffic and being alert (it’s very good for mental arithmetic too). It’s best played when you’re driving on A roads and B roads (not motorways).

Player 1 starts by looking at the oncoming traffic and getting points for every vehicle that passes that he/she can count, adding up and stating the score as he/she goes...2, 4, 6, 10, 15 etc

• Car – 2 points
• Convertible Car – 4 points
• Rolls / Bentley / Porsche / Ferrari – 10 points
• Van – 4 points
• Lorry - 5 points
• Police / Ambulance / Fire Vehicle – 20 points (with siren going 50 points)
• Train (going in any direction) – 50 points
• Bicycle / Motorbike - YOU'RE OUT

Player 1 keeps going and adding to their score until he/she is OUT.

That happens when any two wheeled vehicle passes – motorbikes, bicycles etc.

Player 2’s job is to keep alert and track the counting and to watch out for the two–wheeled vehicles so can say ‘You’re Out’ and then start their own turn.

The player with the highest number of points wins.

You can add and adapt ‘family rules’ as you like (Man with dog – you’re out, Pushchair or Pram – you’re out, Roundabout you’re out, driver on mobile phone, you're out etc).

Car mad boys can make up their own rules, especially around makes and models.

Mums and Dads can play too. Or the child can also play for you if you’re driving.

Have fun, 'til it drives you nuts!

Johnny

My daughter loves to count cars....than we do clue game...

And yeah need to stop a lot with her, because they can not sit for hours.