Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I Spy A Peaceful Car Ride

Park has never been a huge fan of the car. Something about being strapped down and forced to stay in the same place for long periods of time just doesn't appeal to him.

I can't imagine why.

And as unappealing as the car is to Park, hearing hollering and whining for long periods of time while trapped inside a moving vehicle with the culprit of such behavior is equally as unappealing to his mommy.

I can't imagine why.

Although Park has become 100 times more pleasant to travel with as he gets older, I still like to keep some secret tricks up my sleeve for emergency situations (AKA when he reverts back to his former car-loathing self.)

After art class at Grandma's house one day, Park came home with a token item that has saved me some major sanity when he is stir crazy while traveling. The token item is now a permanent fixture in my console, just waiting to be whipped out while stuck in traffic.

Grandma, being the brilliant woman she is, made a little flip book of clip art pictures attached to a string. He wears it like a necklace and uses it to play "I Spy". He gets so involved in searching for all the items in his book that he forgets to be miserable. And I, in turn, forget to spend all my time passing back snacks and toys and remember to concentrate on the road.

And for those of you who have never had the privilege of riding with me, it will suffice to say it behooves all other drivers for me to FOCUS when behind the wheel.

In his "I Spy" booklet there are common things you might see while on the road such as flags, birds, trains, airplanes, trees, trucks, tractors, and so on. You can get as creative as you want and for older children, you can even have them make their own books by drawing the pictures or cutting them out of magazines instead of using clip art. Or for those of you as crafty as I am, you can pass this task off to an unsuspecting Grandma and just pray for the best.

"I Spy" a mom who hopes this trick saves you some sanity, too.

P.S. If the above suggestion doesn't help, please feel free to use my emergency plan B, which I reserve the right to fall back on at any time. Plan B is as follows: Pop a movie into the car DVD player and don't beat yourself up over it. And if you don't own a portable DVD player, may I suggest you put it on your Christmas list this year.

Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday tips.

13 comments:

Loving Our Homeschool said...

I love this idea! I think my girls (ages 4 & 6) would really like this. Thanks for sharing! :o)

Anonymous said...

This is a great idea my daughter would totally go for. She would also totally go for a Disney Princess movie in the DVD player, but that is neither here nor there.

Unknown said...

We like to listen to Robert Munsch CDs while driving around - this has totally saved the sanity of this Mama with Three Small Howling Kids in the City. He tells great stories, and we've nearly worn the CDs out just listening to them!

ames said...

What a cool idea! We had those roadside landmark tic-tac-toe boards but they weren't very useful when there's just one kid.

Susan said...

Oh I really like this idea. I will use it when my tyke is older. Have any suggestions on a 10 month old on a 12 hour drive from CO to OK or 14 hour plane ride from Germany to CO? Or anyone else reading comments, come on over to my website and email me!

Unknown said...

Great post, but eh...we don't have a car.


Feel welcome to visit my site

Laane on the World

Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

That's a great idea! I'm with you on the DVD player in the car- I can't imagine life without it now.

Christy said...

I love the idea! i will have to try it because the DVD player doesn't work. Layton is a nightmare to travel with as a result!!

Anonymous said...

brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!!! your posts are so funny! I really enjoy reading them. Your little Park reminds me so much of my two little guys! have a great day!

Phyllis Sommer said...

great idea! i use a game called "namits" (name-its) that are small cards looped together "name things that are squishy" and sometimes i just use it as a springboard. it was only about $10...

Jennifer@DoingTheNextThing said...

I LOVE this idea! After 3 kids who entertained themselves quietly in the car, I have now been blessed with 2 toddlers who are high maintenance. I'm going to make I Spy books for them ASAP! Thanks! (I also love the art lessons with Grandma.) Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Love this tip! Thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth said...

Park has a very wise grandma!