Desert Sky Mothers of Multiples Club

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Traveling With Twins

SANITY
Many of us believe the family trip begins once we reach our destination. The car ride, whether one hour or several days, is seen only as a means to get us there. We disregard the needs of our passengers, particularly our kids, and set unrealistic driving schedules.

We leave too early and drive like maniacs. We ignore the please of stir-crazy kids and a speed limit obeying spouse. Full bladders, empty stomachs, cramped legs and throbbing headaches must wait. The schedule must not be upset. We must make good time, or if we're really lucky, arrive ahead of schedule.

This sets us up for frustration, anger and disappointment. The kids fight and whine; we yell and threaten. Why didn't we just stay home?

The truth is your family trip begins as soon as you walk out of your house, close the door behind you and step into your car, settling down with maps, food, pillows and toys.

If you plan your drive as the first leg of your family trip, you will have more fun. Remember, it's supposed to be an adventure. Take your time, drive a reasonable amount each day, stop often and plan to take in a few sites along the way.

WHEN SHOULD WE LEAVE?
Some families like leaving early in the morning, while it's still dark. These hardy souls pack the car the night before, scoop up their sleeping children and take off into the semi-darkness. After driving two or three hours, they stop for breakfast.

Some families time their departure after dinner and drive all night. This schedule certainly avoids the whining and restless child syndrome, since young children sleep most of the way. However, driving at night poses hazards to anyone not used to it.

CAUTION: The next morning, the kids will be well rested and energetic. You'll be ready for a nap.

Some families leave mid-morning, after a hearty breakfast. A full night's rest and full tummy begin the trip on a relaxed note.

Some families leave early in the morning before breakfast. They pack a sack breakfast for each family member. The kids are busy eating for the first half hour or longer. (An added bonus, the kitchen is left spotless.)

Some families with older children maximize daytime driving. Leaving early in the morning gives children plenty of daylight for activities.

HINTS:

Pack your car the night before departure. You'll feel less rushed the next day and will be less likely to forget something.
Tell your kids what time you'll be leaving and how long the trip will take.
If your spouse chronically leaves things for the last minute, accept this quirk. Plan your departure later or give him/her an earlier departure time to compensate for his/her habitual lateness.
Don't rush everyone through breakfast. Indigestion is not a good travel companion.
Let the kids run around and burn off energy before you leave.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE STOP?
Every family is different. We know a former long distance trucker who drives six hours between each stop. His children and wife have adjusted to this schedule. They leave at dusk and try to sleep most of the way. The day before departure, they begin to limit their fluid intake.

We know families with little driving tolerance and stop to stretch every 45 minutes. They can easily turn a four hour drive into a six hour adventure.

The key to success is discussing this before departure. Let the kids know how long they will need to sit still between stops. Be ready for spontaneous changes in your plan.

Schedule Adventure! Rather than fast food restaurants, have a picnic in the park, after a stop at a small neighborhood market. Ask the locals about the town, about special sites and local parks.

Rather than drive for long hours break up the trip with a stay overnight. Be sure the hotel has a pool. UNwind in the water before bedtime. Wake up the next morning refreshed.

TIME SAVING TIPS

Eat in the car, run around when you stop.
If the kids have taken off their shoes and jackets, be sure they put them back on before the next stop.
Picnic instead of waiting in a restaurant.
Limit drinks.
Insist that everyone "try" at every stop.

How do we maintain our sanity?
We would be less than honest if we said our trips always go smoothly - no crying, no fighting, no tantrums, no disagreements.

These behaviors are often inevitable when four or five (or more) people are stuck together for hours at a time in a cramped space.

With practice, we've found ways of reacting to poor behavior and ways to encourage cooperative behavior.

DO'S AND DONT'S FOR POSITIVE TRAVELING

Have a positive attitude
Keep repeating: "This is going to be fun!" or "I'm looking forward to a week with the kids!"
Keep your sense of humor
An unexpected tickle or joke often diffuses the tension
Understand the importance of space
A handy guide: your car size is directly proportionate to the level of sibling fighting, noise and parental frustration.
Keep your car organized and clean
You might have to clean out the car at every stop and re-organize the kids toys.
HINT: Some parents stay organized by storing art supplies and small toys in old shoe organizers pinned to the back of the front seat.
Anticipate problems
Don't ignore your kids' needs, likes and schedules. Anticipate when they'll be hungry, need to use the bathroom, and how long they can go without jumping around. Divert fighting caused by boredom or lack of exercise with a new activity.
Rotate seats
Play musical seats every few hours. Take turns sitting in the front and back. CHanging seats will give everyone a new buddy and a fresh view.
Switch drivers
Give yourself a break. Drive for a while. Let your spouse take a turn as moderator, teacher, camp counselor and tour guide. Relinquish the treat bag and crayons. Squint into the sun and watch the yellow line waver back and forth. It will be relaxing.
Offer choices they can't refuse
Do you want to take a five or fifteen minute nap?
Do you want to sit quietly in the front seat or the back seat?
Do you want to stop for ice cream now or after dinner?
Do you want to sing songs or play rhyme games?
Fill in the blanks
If you guys do , we'll be happy to do for you. (For example:If you site quietly for the next ten minutes, we'll stop at the next fast food restaurant for a drink.)
Give undivided attention
Sit next to the troublesome child (a favorite old teacher's trick). Read him his favorite story, play a game, let him lean on your shoulder and get snuggly.
If nothing else works...
Stop the car. Do something unexpected like calisthenics or have a hugging contest. Try running around to catch Dad or tickle him.

CREATING KITS
Create your own kits for the car, restaurant, daily excursion, or emergency situation. Well-conceived kits have eased lengthy car trips and made eating in restaurant a pleasure.

What is a kit and how do you create one?
By our definition, a kit is a complete and portable package of something fun or fundamental.

Kits must be packaged in appropriate cases

zippered case
plastic box
canvas bag
child's suitcase
laundry basket
backpack
cardboard box
plastic trash bag
zippered envelope
mesh bag
shopping bag
lunch box

DAY TRIP KIT

USES	To carry necessities for a day's outing, making a return trip to the hotel unnecessary.
CASES	Totes and backpacks A NOTE ON BACKPACKS: These come in many sizes and are appropriate even for children to carry. Several families report that a child's good intention to carry the backpack often dissolves as the day wears on. A child's backpack should be adjustable so an adult can carry it. Other families have the adults wear backpacks
CONTENTS	Include whatever you may need for one day: snacks drinks (water may be carried in a plastic cup with a lid.) straws, paper cups (these come in quite handy for splitting large drinks or for a quick drink from a water fountain.) wipes, washcloth mini First Aid kit:"band-aids", tissues, sun screen, aspirin, needle, thread, safety pins, small scissors. change of clothing for each child extra shirt for adults jackets or sweaters for everyone rain gear if rain is possibility extra shoes and socks are nice for a possible downpour barrettes and rubber bands are nice for long hair anything else? HINT: Several mothers reported including their purse contents within their backpack to lessen the number of items they carried. CAUTION: This is a comprehensive list that will be too heavy for most backpacks. Carry only essentials on your back. Extra items can stay in your trunk.
PHILOSOPHY	The success of a day's outing hinges on proper preparations. Clothes or supplies left at the hotel are of no use when a lap is splashed with milk or a heel develops a blister.

CAR SAFETY KIT

USES	To provide for any unexpected emergency such as car trouble, inclement weather or minor accident
CASES	Boxes, bags, totes
TRUNK CONTENTS	Spare tire and necessary equipment Tool box First Aid kit Winter necessities: Clothes: gloves, mittens, hats, boots, scarves and extra clothing layers for EVERYBODY, even adults. Bring several blankets too! High energy snacks: unsalted nuts (for appropriate ages) raisins dried fruit crackers and peanut butter boxes of juice (even if they freeze. you can peel off the box and eat the frozen juice like a popsicle)

FIRST AID KIT

USES	To be prepared for minor accidents, illnesses, bruises or cuts. Most families reported that they needed a first aid item at least once on every trip.
CASES	Although commercially prepared kits are available, we recommend making your own. You will be able to personalize the contents with your medicine brands and family needs. Use shoe boxes, plastic boxes, large toiletry cases.
CONTENTS	medicine dosage chart pediatrician's phone number currently taken medicines aspirin antihistamine for allergic reactions and insect bites throat lozenges cough medicine decongestant antiseptic sun screen calamine lotion vaseline insect repellant "diaper rash" cream sunburn ointment motion sickness pills thermometer tweezers sharp needle to remove splinters ear plugs tissue syrup of ipecac for poison powder hand cream band aids absorbent cotton cotton tipped swabs sterile gauze bandages sterile gauze pads nail file and nail clipper (or scissors) needle and thread safety pins measuring spoon and cup first aid tape
PHILOSOPHY	Even though each of these items could be purchased when and if needed, we've found that the moment of need is precisely when we are back at our accommodations and the stores are closed. Better to bring everything and be prepared.