I’m a parenting expert – here’s a secret weapon to keep a kid from misbehaving on long car rides

HOLIDAY is usually not complete without at least one or two long car trips with the family.

But parents everywhere know the struggle of traveling with kids having tantrums – but there are some smart ways to avoid the tears (from mom and kids).

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It’s no secret that kids get bored when strapped to the back seat, but seasoned mom, Parent Coach and Head of the Year, Sophie Pickles, has some tips.

The ultimate secret lies in WHEN you load up your car and head off into the distance, and the secret she says is traveling at night.

We know what you’re thinking, pulling the kids out of bed in the middle of the night to take them for a drive sounds silly, doesn’t it?

But according to Sophie, “there’s nothing more relaxing than that,” and she explains why.

She told Fabulous: “Having traveled long distances with my kids as they grow from childhood to toddlerhood and beyond, my number one car travel tip is a must try. and go at night.

“There’s nothing more relaxing for all involved and it makes for smoother (and more peaceful!)

This is mainly because the kids can sleep in the car, and they won’t have trouble doing so.

But she suggests keeping their routine as much as possible and starting right before their “normal bedtime”.

“We usually do pre-shower preparations, stories and pjs before climbing into the car. Keep the noise to a minimum and take advantage of the dark winter evenings. You can even add some,” she explains. white noise if desired”.

“When you get to your destination, just move your kids to their bed and let them sleep through the night. I promise it’s really that simple!”

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Sophie, who collaborates with the children’s brand Munchkin.

“They are much more prone to crying and sad because they are in an unfamiliar environment,” she explains.

“New places, new contexts and new people can even affect tiny babies. There’s a lot of sensory stimulation, which can be extremely stimulating and parents can end up with little kids. that they can’t calm down.”

But if midnight car trips aren’t working for you, Sophie has devised another list of tips that can help moms and dads – and they really couldn’t be simpler.

Blowing bubbles

To win the hearts of young children, holding a bubble wand to the center vent in the car to create bubbles can be a great way to pass the time.

But make sure the bubbles are not directed at the driver and that they will blow directly at the passenger in the back.

Time travel

If you like routine, try to time your journey so that it coincides with nap time.

Sophie explains: “Infants don’t have a normal routine when it comes to traveling and this can cause disruption and restlessness.

“Strengthening outside to fit into their usual nap routine can make things easier.”

Create a treasure bag

Children gradually lose interest in toys but try creating a “treasure bag” filled with some things they have never seen before.

According to the parenting expert, this will “create interest and curiosity.”

She said: “It’s a good idea to pull these out of the bag every half hour and give them to kids so they can explore the texture, feel and smell of the toys – that would be a huge distraction. “

Some good ideas are spooning a hairbrush or even a spice jar filled with rice – the more obscure and colorful the better.

Reflect their sleeping environment

It’s important to replicate what you do at home, as much as possible – while traveling and on vacation.

Newborns can sleep for two hours at home in a crib, but this can change to just 40 minutes in a car.

Sophie suggested creating a dark environment for them using sunshade or will block the sun creating a warmer environment.

For babies, you can also get a white noise machine and attach it to their car seat.

And don’t forget things like a sleeping bag so you can dress your kids like they’re going to bed.

Create mess-free snacks and drinks

If you’re gearing up for a relatively long journey, it’s important to think about snacks – always.

But remember to feed them food that doesn’t leave a mess for you to clean up after they’re done.

Try things like dried cheerios, raisins or bananas, and for drinks, always have a spill-proof cup, great for bumpy roads.

In other parenting news, these are eight signs you’re being too strict about your children.

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Plus, this one self-confessed bad parents and mom don’t want to be friends – I have no problem telling the kids what I really think.

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