What are some ideas....... moms I need you!!!!?

Question

We are going up to visit my great aunt and uncle in Deleware. It will only be a 5 hour drive. It was a last minute thing, but we will be staying for a week. Today while my mom and dad were busy, I packed each of the kids (and my) clothing suitcase. My mom and I just finished packing the extra suitcase with toiletries, medicines, first aid, sunscreen, and lifevests.

Tomorrow, my mom and dad will be working (mom is still on maternity leave, but they need her because there will be a shortage, so she volunteered to go in). They asked me to stay home with the kids (2 and 1/2 month old twins going with grandma). I get the most important job of......packing car baskets. Instead of bags, we each have one of those plastic baskets under our seats with things to entertain us. My mom wants me to fill them so the kids don't get bored.

What are some ideas for each child's car basket? There ages are 9(girl), 6(boy), 4(girl), and 2(boy). Also, 2 month old twins, but they really won't be using a basket.

Answer 1

9 year old girl- book and ask her what toys she wants to bring and see if you approve

6 boy- gameboy like thing if he has one, cars, mr.potatoe head, and action figures

4 girl- barbies or dolls

2 month old twins- bottles and rattles

Answer 2

Don't forget little surprises! When I'm planning a trip, I stop at one of those dollar stores and get cheap toys that will occupy the children for periods of time for a buck! Don't forget a list of travel games you can play with the older ones, such as "I spy". If you have a library close and a cassette player, you can borrow books on tape that they would enjoy listening to. We also keep a pack of National Geographic cards for our 9yr old. When we see an out-of-state license plate, we can look up the capitals, interesting facts of that state. Always pack some little healthy snacks and loads of water. Fruit juices and sodas will make you have to stop for bathroom breaks more often so you may want to avoid them. If you give too much sugar, you'll have rowdy children in tow too! Crackers, fruit, pretzels, etc...those are great. Good luck!

Answer 3

This may not be things for the basket but I would google car trip games! The oldest three will love these games! For example and easy one is looking at signs, billboards, etc. and finding a word that starts with each letter of the alphabet!

Another life saver is books on tape (well probably cd now).  We NEVER went on a road trip without them! You can get plenty at your local library! Our favorites were the C.S. Lewis Chronicle's of Narnia series and one entitled Wizards Hall!  Of course there are MANY others available!

Finally, buy OR make car bingo! Take pieces of paper and draw, paste pictures, of a stop sign, green car, red truck, hotel, etc. and let your kids play with them on the drive!  

Good luck and remember to let your kids out and give them at least 15 minute stretch about half way. It's only a 5 hour but they'll still need to get out! I promise, the 15 minutes will save the second half of your trip from whining and complaining!

Answer 4

I would make sure there is a suitable snack in case they get hungry, books (but only if they don't get carsick), and maybe a small toy.

Answer 5

Pack the 9 yr old books, a music player, if you have one, Or a small gameboy, if you have one. Handheld tetris is addictive for all age (I'm 16) and cheap at walmart

The 6 yr old- action figures and cars if he still plays with them, again a gameboy if you have one. He should like the coloring books too. the 6 yr olds i babysit LOVE comic books

the 4 yr old will like books she can "read" herself, dolls, if she plays with them, a simple handheld game like tetris or electronic pet games, the girl i babysit has those

The two year old- picture books he can "read" by himself, action figures/small toys

You could entertain all of them by reading aloud to harry potter or some other "all ages book" A good idea would be to make a playlist on ur ipod with all the kids' favorite songs and let them take turns with it. you might want water bottles too. All in all 5 hrs isn't THAT long in a car