Ok friends, we just got back from a 2500 mile road trip with three kids 6 and under.

Yes, you read that correctly, 2500 miles.

So let’s start off by saying that our extended families live far away…. like 1200+ miles away. Seeing them for the holidays involves extensive travel on our part.

Last year we flew to see the in-laws for Christmas.

Do you know what is worse than driving with three small children?

Flying with three small children  during the holidays.

I am always astounded at those families that take their small kids on trans-Atlantic flights. Those families are awesome, I don’t think you could pay me to take my kids on an airplane for more than 4 hours.

Anyway, so flying with three small children is paying to be in hell… I can’t think of a more polite way to say that.

We thought we could avoid the airport by driving.

In fairness we did avoid the airport… but we also spent 4 days in the car.

We also spent 4 days at our destination… nice how that worked out so evenly.

Anyway after four days in the car, and another four to decompress I’ve come to the following conclusions that must be shared, especially since so many people are traveling in the next few weeks.

The DON”Ts

Don’t assume your kids will sleep during any part of the car ride (or trip in general). Don’t assume that driving in the middle of the night or through nap time will induce sleep and somehow make the drive go by faster. They probably won’t sleep, carseats aren’t as comfy as their beds, accept it and plan accordingly.

Don’t let mom guilt about screen time stop you from letting the kids have unlimited screen time in the car. I tried telling the kids to play with toys, color, or look out the window on the way to our destination. We were all miserable. I gave up on this idea on the way back. Eventually kids will lose interest in movies and want to play or look out the window, but the reality is that they don’t watch TV 24/7 on a normal day and their little brains can handle a couple of cartoon filled days.

Don’t ever allow anyone to tell you they don’t need to use the bathroom. Bathroom stops are mandatory. ALWAYS force everyone out of the car to use the bathroom, ALWAYS change the baby’s diaper, if you skip either of these two steps you will be sorry.

Don’t tell them you’re almost there when you have 500 miles left. True, 500 miles on a 1200 mile trip is more than halfway there… but 500 miles is still a lot of miles. Be upfront… tell them the world might end before you get to your destination.

The DOs

Do break up the trip. Plan a stop for lunch and possibly a stop for dinner. Our favorite stops involve McDonald’s and Chick fil-A playplaces. We don’t stay that long, but the kids have a chance to get out and stretch their legs.

Do bring snacks. Every time you get the kids out of the car it adds at least 30 minutes to the drive. Make sure you pack enough snacks that you aren’t constantly stopping for food.

Do plan for the worst. Mr. Spreadsheets had a stomach bug 2 out of our 4 days of driving (1 there and 1 back), it was a nightmare. Make sure you pack throw up bags, Clorox wipes, and plenty of medication for the family. Maybe you will luck out and not need it or maybe you will learn what every bathroom between Austin and Albuquerque look like, either way it pays to be prepared.

Pack the car carefully. Don’t throw stuff in haphazardly. Pack the stuff you need most in an easy to access location. Let family members know where must have items are. Use as many gallon ziplock bags as possible, they keep things organized and can double as barf bags. The tetras system may only make sense to you, but you’re going to love it!

Do skip the suitcases and use large plastic storage totes. I know this sounds crazy… I saw it on 17 kids and counting years ago, but it works. Clothes stay neatly folded and in place and the bins stack neatly in the car, trust me this is life changing.

Oh and…

Do get a car with a DVD player. Those movies with headphones are the best thing to happen to us since our car came with a vacuum (which yes does come in handy on a road trip)

Good Luck!