The thought of traveling with kids is enough to make a mom want to resort to a staycation. Then she thinks about all the housework she would be tempted to do and the distant vacation wins. At least most of the time anyways. Do you dread long distance trips with kids in the back seat, holding your breath that the movie they’ve watched for the billionth time will entertain them once again? At least for the next couple of hours. Then the four year old loses interest and he’s pulling his younger sister’s hair releasing a blood curdling scream that almost causes you to wreck.

Of course when thinking about past trips it’s tempting to think only about the bad experiences. The bumps in the road. The bad attitudes, arguments and impatient, regretful, reactions. These tend to stick in our mind because it makes us feel like we don’t have it all together. We hate to admit that our kids aren’t perfect. That we aren’t perfect. Instead of allowing your mind to remember the negative, remember that there will be trials and challenges on a long trip. It doesn’t matter how many movies you pack, how many stops you plan or how many snacks or surprise toys you have hidden in the glove compartment. The underlying issues will still be there so when the movie ends or the rest stop break is over, the true colors will shine forth, pretty or not.

The best way to ensure an amazing travel experience is this:

1- Focus on Character Building Before You Go

Let them know what you expect from them before you go. If you know that your children constantly fight over who is sitting where, talk about it. Talk with them about putting others first and not being so greedy as to needing to sit in the most coveted seat all of the time. Teach them about preferring one another, loving one another and having patience with one another.

2- Remember That You Are Always Training Your Child and Opportunities To Train Will Come Up

What do I mean by this? Well, if we as parents truly are supposed to “train up a child in the way they should go” then we need to be ready and willing and not frustrated to do so, 24-7. Even on a trip,  not just in the privacy of our own home. We are to train them up so, “when they grow old they won’t depart from them.” Not, “when we go out in public they won’t depart from them.” Of course I do expect a lot from my children in public. I teach them that we need to be positive examples wherever we go. They need to remember that they need to uphold the reputation of Christians, of homeschoolers and the reputation of our family within our local community. But, this is something they need to be trained in. There are some things that simply cannot be understood in their little minds until they are out and about to fully grasp what we expect of them. Living out the Christian walk is not natural. It does not come as second nature to children. Therefore, when we see them doing something rude or disrespectful in public then we have a chance to train them right then and there. We cannot let our pride get the best of us. We cannot become embarrassed if we have to deal with a crying toddler or disgruntles pre-teen while at the grocery store. Because then it becomes about us. Not them. Then at that point, we have missed it. We have missed what the Word of God requires of us, to train our children. Therefore, when attempting a long trip, do not become dependent on the tablets, DVDs or snacks to keep the peace. Be alert, aware and understanding of the needs of your children and their need to learn from you.

The longest trip that we have taken with little ones, (youngest was six months) was driving from Virginia to Mexico. Our next venture takes us all the way from Canada to Mexico! Traveling with kids can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. When children know what is expected of them and we as parents embrace the fact that it is not a complete vacation for us but that we are still “on duty,” then the sailing is smoother. Let your kids have fun and be sure to surprise them with an unexpected treat once in a while- just don’t expect that to eliminate the need for correction. Once this is understood, your trip will be most enjoyable!