Parent’s University: Organization - Traveling With Kids

Posted on 02.06.08 in Parenthood Parents University and there are 8 comments.

In December Jimmy and I went on a big two week, 1,685 mile road trip with our three kids ages 5 years, 3 years and 9 months.

I admit I was pretty nervous about it. That is a LONG time to be in the car.

With. Three. Small. Kids.

To my surprise, though, it all went really well. Everyone had a great time, we made minimal stops and Jimmy and I both retained our sanity.

Here are the things that made the difference:

1. Packing

I planned what each of my kids wore on each day of the trip. I made a little pile for each day that contained pajamas, outfit for the day and any accessories. I then put all those items into a ziplock bag, compressed it and labeled it with the child’s name and the date it was to be worn.

This was helpful for several reasons. If you’ve ever traveled with little ones you know how annoying it can be to try to search through a bag for one tiny pair of socks or pants. It can also be tiring to try to figure out what they will wear WHILE trying to get them dressed.

With this method, Jimmy or I could just grab a bag for each kid and then we had everything needed for the day.

It also took up less space in the suitcase.

2. Snacking

Instead of bringing a giant bag of pretzels or trail mix and passing it out in the car, I divided up the snacks into little snack bags so that whenever someone needed something we didn’t have to worry about crumbs or making sure little hands didn’t drop things.

We could just pick out a small bag and hand it to them.

For my baby, I premeasured all the baby cereal he’d eat for the trip into small bags. Before each day I put together 3 meal kits (containing the baby cereal, baby food, spoon and disposable bib) in preparation for the next day. In the morning, I’d just put the kits in my diaper bag and I was ready for the whole day.

3. Play and Presents

In addition to packing their favorite toys and books, I also went to the dollar store and bought a few new surprises. I wrapped the new items along with some old forgotten favorite ones and hid them in the basket of books and toys.

Every few hours or when they got really restless, I’d let them dig for and open a “present.” They LOVED it.

4. Stories on CD

We also had several stories on CD that we listened to and that was something everyone really enjoyed.

5. DVD Player

Now, we did bring a DVD player on the trip, but out of the 25+ hours on the road, they only watched 2.5 hours of tv. Everything else kept them so entertained that they didn’t really ask to watch videos, although it was certainly a nice option. We bought them a Hillsongs Kids video and it was neat to hear them singing worship songs in the back seat.

In Conclusion

Well, that’s what worked for us. If you go on a road trip anytime soon, I hope some of these ideas work for you.

If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

(Please note, your submission for Parent’s University does not have to be this long...I just had a lot to say on this one.)

The Comments:

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Great ideas, we are planning a couple of trips soon to the Ft. Davis Mountains, and to Washington DC. Its hard work getting it all together! Its funny, I have this confidence that if I survived traveling 2 days to India with three small kiddos, I surely can go anywhere with four kiddos!!

Great stuff Kat. 

I wish I had know you 15 years ago.  Our trips to CA were painful at best with 3 small ones.  This would have helped alot.

here’s my post:

http://brickhausof4.blogspot.com/2008/02/parents-university.html

Though it really isn’t worth clicking on.... maybe after I get a few comments it will be worth a read.....

I am in awe.

Both of your suggestions, and that you would get into a car with three little ones for two weeks. 

wow, you are amazing....

Please, continue with more ideas for organization!

the6stricklands,
Seriously, you’re the one who took 3 small kiddos to india while you were pregnant. The mountains and DC are not going to be a big thing.

I do find that the more stuff I CAN take - the more stuff I DO take and the more crazy it all is.

Have fun on your trips!

Deemus,
I think my parents woud concur that you should be GLAD you didn’t know me 15 years ago.

jamee,
Don’t sell yourself short. You’re post reminded me to do something that would have saved me a lot of stress this morning…

TIA,
Frankly, it’s easier to be in the car with 3 little ones than in the house - they can’t move in the car.

Kristin,
Not amazing - desperate.

Yep, I keep forgetting the age difference;>)

Well, I could have used some help from someone.

kat, i think you and i were separated at birth. i love it! organization over the top- i like it ALOT.

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