Car travel with kids can make everyone in the vehicle a little stir crazy. A "go-pack" is one way to make the miles pass more quickly.
A go-pack is a large gift bag or other container filled with smaller decoratively packaged items. At a predetermined frequency, each child can select an item from the bag and unwrap it. Kids' anticipation of a treat can break up a long drive, and the items themselves can provide on-the-road entertainment.
To make your own go-pack, first decide how often you'll let children select a prize. For shorter trips and younger children, every hour or every 50 miles might work well. If you're traveling for more than a day or with older children, you'll want to decrease the frequency or have kids take turns selecting items.
Next, calculate the number of items you'll need to assemble. For example, if you'll be driving six hours with two young children you may decide to distribute a prize to each child once every hour. In that case, you'd need 12 items.
Now purchase or gather your items. The key is to choose small, inexpensive prizes that will keep your children occupied in the car. Ideas include a small spiral notebook and three-pack of crayons, a mix CD with songs your kids enjoy singing, or vinyl shapes (such as Colorforms) that adhere to the windows. Consider purchasing packaged sets and distributing the individual items, such as party favors or matchbox cars. Also toss some healthy, kid-friendly snacks into the mix.
Finally, package your items in small bags and place the small bags inside a larger container. Brown lunch bags work well for the individual prizes. For a more colorful option, look for treat bags in a party supply store or aisle. A grocery sack or large gift bag can hold all the smaller bags.
Be sure to explain the procedure to your kids before departure. Tell your kids how often they can select a prize, and let them know of any conditions they must meet. For example, will they lose the privilege of selecting a prize if they're arguing during a given timeframe? Discussing the procedure upfront may prevent your kids from asking for a treat just after they've received one. The go-pack can provide an incentive for good behavior and can help teach younger kids about time.
A little creative thinking can result in a car ride that's almost as fun as the destination.
