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When I was a child going on vacation meant visiting grandparents. It was only a drive of about 1 ½ hours in the “air-conditioned” car which meant that the windows were rolled down! As an only child, I had the back seat to myself—not counting my cocker spaniel Pudgie and my parakeet Pepper. I could easily get absorbed reading the Reader’s Digest. We made one stop for a bathroom break and I would order a Big Red. Boy… am I aging myself! These trips were always fun!
With the economy the way it is this summer, you may be going on long drives with children for your vacation too. So how can such a trip go as smoothly as mine did as a child? A few tips include:
 See side bar for information on Sharon's wonderful books for elementary-age children. There is a discounted price on the 5-book series that even includes a darling Nicholas puppet.
These books are "co-authored" by Sharon's beloved cocker spaniel Nicholas who shares true antics by him and his animal buddies to gently and lovingly present important living skills. Each book is filled with problem-solving exercises, delightful illustrations and easy-to-follow suggestions. His inquisitive childlike qualities make him the perfect guide on difficult and important subjects. See "The Nicholas Collection" at www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott .
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1. Explain the rules of the road to your child before you leave. Word it positive—what you what the child TO DO rather than what you don’t want them to do. Let them know the length of the trip and approximately how often stops will be made. Discuss whether purchases will be made for food/drink along the way or if you will be taking an ice chest or picnic basket along. Also include safety tips as well as what to do should you get separated somewhere.
2. Help your child to be creative in selecting toys, games etc. to take along for the drive. I would suggest that the family avoid tuning each other out the entire trip with technology. What’s the fun if everyone is hooked up to an IPod, TV or video game? That can be fine for awhile, but set limits to it.
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Then play some games as a family and enjoy conversation. Games could include finding certain state license plates, singing, telling stories or reading a book out loud. You could also play the “What are your all time top three favorite _____?” This could be favorite colors, restaurants, vacations, books, stores, movies, meal, countries you want to visit, desserts, etc.
3. Bring along familiar items that will help the child to feel secure. I always wanted my pillow—in fact, that same pillow went off to college with me!
4. Stick to as much routine as possible such as similar bedtime, meals etc.
5. Once every hour or so stop at a rest stop and make everyone get out of the car and walk around. Maybe even throw a Frisbee or play catch. You all will arrive at your destination feeling more rested.
Drives on vacation shouldn’t be just endured--they are meant to be enjoyed—so enjoy! Happy travel!
Copyright ©2009, Sharon Scott. No reproduction without written permission from author.
P.S. Please see my other column, The Counselor’s Corner.
Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT, has been making a difference in peoples’ lives for 30 years though her international keynotes and workshops, her eight award-winning books, and her private counseling services. Five of her books are a charming series for elementary-age children that she “co-authored” with her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas. Each beautifully illustrated book teaches a valuable living skill such as managing emotions in Life’s Not Always Fair, building character in Nicholas’ Values, and making wise choices in Too Smart for Trouble. Sharon’s best-seller for teens is How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed. Her books are available from HRD Press, 800-822-2801 or www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott . For more information on Sharon’s many workshop topics that she can bring to your child’s school or community, please see her website at www.SharonScott.com.
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Listen to
Families Online Radio Interview with Sharon Scott
Books That Work!
By Sharon Scott
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Family counselor Sharon Scott is the author of 8 books including this delightful series for children that is "co-authored" by her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes learning valuable life skills fun.
 Too Smart for Trouble, a best-selling, award-winning book, teaches children to think on their own and how to say no when asked to do something wrong.
 Not Better... Not Worse... Just Different is must reading for children to learn to be more sensitive to others, avoid bullying and know how to handle teasing.
 Life's Not Always Fair is a child's guide for managing emotions and learning to soothe oneself when mad, sad, scared or confused.
Nicholas' Values is a delightful guide helping children develop good character traits such as honesty, confidence, sharing and so much more!
Too Cool for Drugs helps children learn why and how to say no to drugs--drug education must begin in the home at an early age!
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