Lessons learned: Make a plan and don’t rush.
My family and I traveled to see extended family in northern Iowa. Our son is 21-months old and he is a good kid…but a long drive can get to anyone.
Here are some things we learned about taking a road trip with a toddler:
#1 – Make a Plan
This wasn’t our first time making this drive, but it was our first time since our son became a toddler. So we didn’t have the luxury of winging it. We had to plan.
We planned where we would stop for food and gas. But we also had to plan for fun. Along the way, we found a shady spot and stopped to kick around a ball, ride a bike and play.
While it isn’t ideal to veer off course, we’ve found that going 10 minutes out of the way to play and run around was is rewarding – for everyone. It’s better than listening to Sesame Street for hours on end.
#2 – Don’t Rush
Be the tortoise, not the hare. Let go of control and schedules a little. Know that you will get where you are going.
It really doesn’t do anyone any good to rush and get frustrated. So ease up on the clock and your family.
To put it this way…you may think you are on your way to somewhere where you will make memories when in reality you are making memories the minute you hop in the car. Make good memories. Smile and breath. Be the tortoise.
In the end, we made it where we were going and we made it back. We made so many great memories that we are ready to do it again!