Planning a Road Trip this Summer?

The DVD players in the car are the norm these days to occupy children's time and attention while traveling, but I have other suggestions for you.

When I was growing up, I remember people calling the TV the "boob tube'- a vast wasteland for your mind. Now, we not only have TV, but computers, the Internet, video games, cell phones, e-readers, portable DVD players, etc...

We are constantly "plugged in" and the children growing up now are immersed in it. But what is the impact on our children? Here are some interesting facts:

Most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF):

• two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch a screen an average of 2 hours a day
• kids under age 6 watch an average of about 2 hours of screen media a day, primarily TV and videos or DVDs
• kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.

The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development. (http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html)

So here are some ideas to keep the kids busy in the back seat during your road trip instead of turning on the DVD player:

1. Books, books, books and more books! Bring a whole laundry basket and take a few out at a time. Books with pictures, colors, words, ABCs, etc. that you can ask them to point to different things. Books with pictures of animals that you can ask them to make the appropriate sounds. Books that are tactile, have flaps, sounds, etc.
2. Magnetic Board- grab a jelly roll pan from the cupboard before you leave and let them play with magnets! I love magnets. They have all sorts of magnets you can buy- dinosaurs and animals, dress-up dolls and of course ABCs and shapes. The $1 store usually has some, but it is very easy to print your own magnets on your home pc. They sell magnetic paper at Wal-Mart. So, printout your son's favorite superheroes or your daughter's favorite fairy or princess and let them use their imaginations! Encourage them to "act" out a story or tell you a story.
3. Wipe-off board- bring a rag or box of tissues and some wipe off crayons or markers and let them draw and create or even scribble! Or just a notebook that they can do what they want with...the $1 Store usually has both!
4. Music CDs- pop in the music and everyone sing along! There are so many great cds at the library! Fun silly music, learning ABCs, word families, different languages, nursery rhymes, math and more! There are so many choices.
5. Books on CD- there are books on cd for everyone from babies and up at your library!
6. Activity books, colorforms, sticker books-reusable or repositional stickers are great!
7. Bubbles- why not? It's just soap:)
8. Make a poster of baby pictures, animals pictures, shapes, things around town, etc. and hang on the back of the front seat for real little ones.
9. Make a book of pictures of family members for them to browse through on their own. Talk about the pictures, where you were, what you were doing! Conversation develops language and literacy!
10. Pipecleaners! Let them create things- great tactile activity!
11. Tin foil! Let them fold and smoosh and create!
12. Sewing or lacing shapes, yes you can purchase these, but you can also make them yourself with a hole-punch and some yarn!
13. Felt boards! Lot's of fun to be had and the sky is the limit! Because you can make any felt shape/characters you want on your own! Purchase or make your own storybook, fairytale, nursery rhyme, favorite book characters and have them tell you a story!
14. Puppets! Or even plush animals! Have them act out a story, use funny voices, etc.
15. Wrap "surprises" for them to open. Make sure to wrap them several times so it takes longer to open. What to put in them? Anything...it will be fun just opening them up!

All these things can be purchased, of course, but you can make them all your own too! When you make them yourself, you can customize for your child! For instance, my daughter loved Sherlock Holmes when she was younger (still does actually) Would I be able to find Sherlock Holmes magnets or felt pieces- no, but I could make them! Cater to your child to keep their interest!

So, I hope you can give turning off that DVD player a try this summer by trying some of these ideas! Happy trails to you!