The kids and I are going to Florida in 5 days to visit my parents. Unfortunately, my car overheats if I run the AC, so we're taking a greyhound! It's going to be an extremely lengthy trip from 3:30pm-8:30am. I'm trying to come up with a plan to keep the kids happy so that I don't descend into total madness on the way. Here are my ideas so far.
PACK LOTS OF FOOD!
One thing I've learned as a parent, is to ALWAYS pack a lot of food. I plan to pack sandwiches, trail mix, cookies, granola bars, juice boxes, water, apples, and yogurt covered raisins for a treat. Luckily, my kids are pretty easy to entertain. Even my four year old will sit quietly and read, or listen to music if she has a snack. All three of my kids especially like little sandwich bags full of trail mix.
PACK ACTIVITIES FOR US TO DO
I already bought 3 activity books and some glow in the dark bracelets from the dollar store. I also plan to bring a deck of cards, a few books, and the mp3 player and walkman. The mp3 player is mainly for me. (My sister got it for me as a birthday gift and I have to say that it is AWESOME! I just clip it onto my dress and listen to music while I clean the bathroom, make dinner, do the dishes, fold laundry...etc. It makes my chores so much more enjoyable.) I have a walkman that I'm going to bring for the kids.
BRING EMERGENCY ACTIVITIES AND SNACKS TO STAVE OFF WHINING AND SCREAMING TANTRUMS
My kids aren't too prone to whining and screaming, but then, they've never ridden on a bus for 18 hours! I plan to bring candy and a surprise activity for if they start freaking out. I wouldn't normally reward my kids for whining and throwing tantrums, but I figure the greyhound is an extenuating circumstance!
I think this trip will be pretty fun, at least in the beginning.:P I always have to be careful on long trips, because I get sick a lot. I have to eat really light, or I'll spend the entire trip with nausea and cramps. I'm hoping we can sleep since we'll be on the bus all night! Has anyone else taken a long bus trip with (or without) kids?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
It sounds like you're well prepared. I'd bring sweaters for the kids (I know you won't need one) because the bus might be cold. If they aren't cold, they can use the sweaters to rest their heads on to sleep.
I traveled six hours on a bus when I as 8 months pregnant and had a two-year-old with me. My sister who met the bus had to wait until everyone got off so she could come get the sleeping child, diaper bag, my purse, and his teddy. Getting off the bus was the hardest thing I have ever done. Three days later I gave birth. Be glad you are not pregnant. Oh, the infant was full term. It sounds like you have everything planned well.
Post a Comment