How To Keep Your Preschooler Entertained During Long Trips

As of this writing, hubby, Tim, Rysse and I are on Day 4 of our mission trip to the East of Timor Leste (translated literally to English: East of East East! LOL). It has been four days of long road travel to four different places, some parts smooth sailing, others really bumpy! All in all though, the trip has been a great opportunity for fun family bonding, especially with our preschooler Tim! Here's how we've been keeping him entertained during the tiring trip:

1. Keep lots of snacks on hand, especially his favorites! Fruit like grapes, apples, pears (kept fresh in a cooler), wafer biscuits (newly discovered goodies for Tim while on vacation in Manila), and (forgive me here, health-conscious moms everywhere!) "sometimes" food like candies and gummy bears! (given to him in "emergency" situations only, i.e. when he's extremely bored or cranky already) :)

2. Keep him hydrated as well with lots of water, juice and the occasional soft drink (Oh dear!).

3. Play games during car rides like "I Spy" and games we made up ourselves like "What animal makes this sound?" or "Singing Silly Songs".

4. Talk to him about the beautiful scenery :) And the animals we pass by like the horses, goats, pigs, etc

5. Explain to him why we're going where we're going and why we're doing what we're doing - here is a great opportunity to share with him what we do for a living :)

6. Let him rest and take a nap or two :)

7. PRAY! We pray with him while we're on the road and ask for God's protection and blessing :)

All in all, it's been a blast not just for Tim, but for the whole family so far, though there have been some challenges/power struggles/tantrums/tears involved. :) But thanks to a lot of preparation and planning, these have been minimal compared to the joys and perfect moments shared! :)

How about YOU friends?

What do you do to keep your kid entertained on long trips? :)

Feel free to comment :)