Driving with children can be very dangerous because they create distractions. While we often think of smartphone use as the main driving distraction, anything that takes your eyes or attention off the road increases the risk of an accident.
Try these ideas to keep your kids busy when you are behind the wheel so you can stay focused.
Traditional methods
A playing surface such as a lap desk offers a classic way to keep children occupied since they can draw or play with car toys. Pack a few plastic bins of items that hold your kids’ attention and store them away for use in the car. Fun examples include:
- Play food
- Cars
- Books
- Dolls and action figures
- Washable or mess-free art supplies, like large beads to string
- Fidget toys and spinners
Family games like Car Bingo and I Spy provide an outlet for entertainment without expense. Make a few playlists of music if your children like to sing (stacked with their favorite tunes, of course).
Creative new ideas
While parents should refrain from using electronics themselves while driving, any device with headphones will keep kids occupied. Whether you rely on a portable DVD player, tablet, or smartphone, remember to bring charging cords and to bring devices charged.
If you have concerns about screen time, look for apps that help with spelling, math, reading, and other educational subjects. Some kids might like an LCD tablet for digital drawing.
Driving with children can result in a serious auto accident if distractions occur. Keeping kids engaged allows you to drive distraction-free and does not require significant cost or preparation.