Let something else entertain them

Keeping the Children Busy on a Journey

If you’re the owner of a 7 seater then it’s highly likely you are transporting a load of little people the majority of the time. I am a mother of four and thought I’d put my pen to paper and outline some of the best entertainment I’ve come across.

DVD Players

Having an in car DVD player is a perfect way to keep the little ones entertained. The most common in car dvd player screen size is 7” which is perfectly satisfactory. You can also choose to get either one or two screens depending on the number of passengers you have. With additional money you can choose to have a separate DVD playing on each screen. My main advice would be to buy earphones for each child. Buy the larger ones to fit over their ears because none of my kids like having the little earphones in their ears. I bought some for £6.92 in Amazon made by JVC. With the children plugged in and watching a DVD you can sit back and listen to your own music on the stereo.

Books, Puzzles, Sticker Projects or Art

Mmmmh; for me these are a big No No!. Although our 7 Seater is large enough to transport all of these bits, the actual act of reading a book, doing a puzzle seems to make my kids feel queasy. Also the motion seems to get to annoy them when they are trying to draw in the lines. My advice would be to keep these things separate and for use at your destination rather than your journey.

IPod/Iphone or Smartphones

The IPod Touch is perfect to let your child play with, if you are willing. There are hundreds of free games you can download and films you can watch. martphones such as the HTC Hero Android phone also have an abundance of Apps and child friendly games such as “teeter”.

PSP/DS etc

Hand held consoles are also a great way of keeping your kids entertained on a long journey. Make sure they have a travel pack to contain all of the games and accessories because if your kids are anything like mine they will loose all the little bits down the back of a chair. Also you need to make sure that there is easy access to a charger.

Music

If you can bear listening to nursery rhymes then you’re on to a winner. Younger ones love nothing more than their parents singing loudly to “ba ba black sheep” or “Old McDonald had a farm”.

Games

Games such as I Spy, number plate search, motor snooker are all favourites for long journeys. The advantage of owning a 7 seater on a long journey is that you are higher above the ground which provides a better viewing position compared to other car travellers.

Give them food

Giving food will kill some time and make them forget they are on a long journey for a while. Buy healthy snacks such as high fibre bars or little raisin boxes. Use drinks that have a sealable spout, that way you’re less likely to have any spillages.

Break up the Journey

Break up your journey so that you can stretch their legs for a couple of minutes. You probably have to do this anyway because they may need the toilet. However an extra five minutes having a little fresh air can work wonders at keeping them calm in the car.