Travel with children can be a mixed bag. Literally.
When my kids were younger, I resorted to bribery. I’m not above it. Please don’t judge.
I would buy a number of small items ($1-$5 range) — coloring and puzzle books, hand-held games, etc. Throughout the trip — and they wouldn’t know when — I’d yell “Grab Bag!” And they could reach into the bag and pull out a prize.
It broke up the boredom. But best of all, it kept them from killing each other. “How?” you ask. Well, the more they misbehaved, fought and annoyed one another, the longer I would wait to yell “Grab Bag!” And they could hardly stand that. They wanted so badly to uncover the breathtaking mystery of what was in that bag.
This whole concept truly did keep Mom and Dad from driving off the cliff of insanity.
Fast-forward a few years. “Grab bag!” just doesn’t have the same appeal for my tween and teen. Unless my daughter can pull out a pair of American Eagle jeans or my son can “grab” a new baseball bat. And baseball bats and car trips really shouldn’t mix.
So what’s a mom of a tween and teen to do? Well, she thanks God that she has a quirky, musical and creative husband.
Shortly prior to our 24-hour cross country trip to visit family last Christmas, my husband ventured beyond his usual power pop and alternative music and stumbled upon some quirky, nerdy musical offerings.
This became a powerful travel weapon. When my kids began to pick at each other, fight and otherwise whine or complain, my husband pulled out a carefully compiled CD of these tunes and blasted it at HIGH VOLUME.
He would not turn it down until the children went at least a few minutes in silence. And until they promised to behave.
After a couple of times using this strategy, compliance was ours:
Micah: Molly! Quit touching me!
Molly: Be quiet, Micah! He’ll put in the CD!!!
Micah: NO!!!!! Please, please! We’ll be good! We P-R-O-M-I-S-E!
Who knew we’d find a parenting ally in some old-time crooners?
Road trips require the same things that we need in all aspects of our parenting journey: creativity, flexibility and knowing which buttons to push. A mixture of rewards and consequences. A sense of humor. Loads of patience. The ability to recognize help in unexpected places.
As mothers, we never know what we’re going to get out on the road. Parenting is a mixed bag.
Thankfully, we’re not on this journey alone. Someone does know what lies ahead.
And He never hits a wrong note.
7 Comments
I agree with Jane. Meade Skelton is so very talented, and he has such a great songwriting gift. I dont see why anyone would have that reaction. I could understand if they put in some kind of album by Lady Gaga or something that actually was awful, they would be quiet. But Meade is very good music to listen to. And his music is soothing- I know someone who can’t get their baby to sleep without a little Meade!
Meade Skelton has a new album out called “Meade Music”. Its is much better and improved than his previous releases. I really suggest you check it out. Your kids may change their opinion!
Your kids have no taste. I know lots of hipsters and young people that love Meade Skelton. He’s very talented and he is a great singer. He is amazing. They need to learn what good music sounds like.
Oh what a fun story! I love your husband’s idea!! A BIG high five to that man for his creativity and hilarious way of keeping the peace! Oh the things we parents do on our journey with our children… Some things go right, and some things go wrong. But every day we keep trying. And yes, we always have His grace along the way. His plan always triuphs, no matter how we may steer off the road! So thankful… 🙂
{Melinda} Yes, Chris, his creativity comes in quite handy in these kinds of situations! 🙂 Yes, I take such comfort that He doesn’t give up on me when I take wrong turns. I am very grateful as well!
{Melinda} Having a plan and anticipating problems goes a long way on the road, Paloma!
Very funny and very true! You have to find ways to make road trips easier and even enjoyable for everyone… For us, there are big issues when traveling due to my oldest (4 yrs. old) constipation problems… so we have to make sure we PREPARE in advance in that area and make sure she’s comfortable, that’s where it all begins! … for our littlest (and most active one) just carrying her blankie is enough 😉