Parent Hacks: Getting through the long cottage drives without the in-car meltdowns

“Are we there yet?” Even if your kids aren’t saying this, you might be thinking it yourself if they’re getting a little restless as, along with hundreds of families, you make your way up Highway 400 to Ontario’s cottage country.

It can be particularly hard to keep the kids calm and occupied if this is a drive you consistently make on Friday afternoons, every weekend in the summer. It starts with who sits where in the car. Most kids will try to jump shotgun or that favourite right-hand middle row seat. Do yourself a favour and come up with a seating plan (use a spreadsheet if you have to) before the yells of “shoddy not the back seat” come your way. You are the boss of the car, too, remember.

Once everyone is in their assigned seating, let them know the schedule for the trip. On longer car rides, plan on introducing a new game or activity or treat every half hour or so, but only if the kids are behaving well within each half hour. Plan a route that includes pit stops where the kids can run around and stretch their legs. Look for roadside fruit and vegetable stands where you can do this, plus, you can pick up healthy snacks for the next part of the trip.

Young ones can get bored and restless quicker than teens, so it’s good to get the whole family engaged in some mandatory activities, like car bingo or spotting the letters of the alphabet. Take a page out of my book and introduce the kids to a game we call GhostTown. First person to talk or make a noise… loses.

Or go old school with some great Q & A books. Try one of bestselling Toronto author Helaine Becker’s awesome quiz and question books like Would You Survive?

Classic toy items, such as a Rubik’s Cube or a deck of cards, can pass the time quietly and without mess. Visit your local dollar store to pick up some arts and crafts materials that will keep the kids busy — watch out for the glue and glitter! Consider starting a car bag with toys, books and crafts that only come out during long drives.

Remember to catch your kids behaving on the way up. Compliment good behaviour when you notice it, instead of focusing on correcting bad behaviour when it inevitably happens. Kids are competitive, and noticing that Rebecca’s getting all the praise for her Popsicle stick mobile or pleasant car manners will have an effect on the other kids.

Hunger also affects mood. Most families jump in the car right after work and school, without much time to eat. The drive can be long, and even Mom and Dad can get grumpy if they’re hungry. Pack some healthy snacks that will take the edge off but not ruin the planned dockside barbecue for later. IronKids Nutrition snack bars are great for the car, not messy and full of nutrients. Nut-free, gluten-free and GMO-free, they are perfect for kids who will leap out of the car yelling “Dibs on the front bedroom!” But that’s another article.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO