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Extra mile
Your online magazine from Kwik Fit insurance
Are we there yet?
Travelling with children can be stressful not to mention dangerously distracting. But these simple games and gadgets can help keep everybody calm.
Long car-trips with children can be a nightmare with endless cries of 'are we there yet' but there's a serious message too. Keep the kids entertained this summer and you'll also be keeping them safe.
Research from manufacturer Peugeot reveals that children only need to be in the car for 31 minutes before boredom sets in.
And according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), having unruly children in the car is more likely to cause an accident than any other distraction. IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: "Bickering, fighting and tears are all part of getting away, as much as the fun had when you get there. Making sure you are kitted-out with plenty of things to entertain will mean the kids are distracted – instead of them distracting you."
Here are some suggestions to help ensure a smooth road trip.
Car games
The name game: challenge each other to come up with words made up of the last few letters of another car's registration plate. Or how about a road-trip scavenger hunt? Choose several objects such as, a yellow car, a flag, and a brown sign, which kids have to find through the window. Arm yourself with plenty of treats; they'll be handy rewards and even better as bribes for good behavior.
Back seat gadgets
If you haven't got the energy for I Spy then invest in some in-car entertainment. Portable DVD players start from around £50 and a Nintendo DS is ideal for car-trips. For younger children the Leapfrog Leapster is an educational handheld console. The Vtech Kidzoom camera is also very popular. It's a basic camera with video and framing options and also stores music. Alternatively an iPod is great for both music and audio books. For younger children invest in a seat tray for around £10 so they can colour in or write stories.
Plan carefully
If gadgets and games don't do the job then it really is all about the timing. Try and travel during the evening or overnight so the young ones are changed, bathed and fed. That way you can hope they'll sleep throughout.
