6 Top tips for moms driving long distances with kids
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver.
A long trip with your children can be a wonderful occasion to bond and show them the world, but it can also be extremely trying for the parents (especially if it’s just one parent!). So, to make sure you won’t end up with drained batteries before you reach the destination, follow the tips below to keep the kids busy and safe while in the car.
#1: Organize an entertainment space
Kids get bored fast and this usually leads to trouble. To avoid this for as long as possible, organize a fun space for them in the back seat. If your car has special headrests, with integrated tablet or phone support, use them to put a screen on each headrest (if you have more than one kids going on the trip). Otherwise, one tablet, with your kids’ favourite cartoon and shows should be enough.
If you don’t have the headrest, you can get creative. For instance, there are back seat organizers you can buy cheap in any convenience store. These will also let you keep toys, water bottles and snacks in order, so you should get one anyways.
The idea is to make sure your child has as many options for fun as possible!
#2: Be prepared to go slow
No one really likes long drives, so you can’t expect children to be extremely happy about the idea. Still, if you have the time, you can schedule several stops that will make the trip more interesting.
Look for points of interest on the road and stop at some of the most convenient and fun of them. For children, even a McDonald’s stop can be fun! But you should also allow them to enjoy the beautiful landscape once in a while so keep an eye on sites worthy of your admiration.
#3: Safety before everything
Of course, safety is important in any situation, but when you have small children in the car it’s paramount! If you’re traveling with a toddler, make sure to get a comfortable car seat that will keep the child safe even in the case of a collision. Also, make sure bigger kids wear their seatbelts at all times and talk to them about being good during the trip.
You can also signal to other drivers that you have kids on board using bumper stickers, window stickers, and even a personalized plate. If you travel with your kids a lot, a personalized plate may be a fantastic idea, since it’s easier to notice than the standard stickers (if you want to know more, check out this site: https://absolutereg.co.uk/).
#4: The early bird gets the worm
Or, when you plan on traveling with kids, it’s best to leave before dawn. The streets will be empty, if it’s summer, 
it will be nice and cool outside, and the kids will be sleepy. They’ll probably sleep a few more hours in the car so you can make good progress before the nagging starts.
If you’re traveling with toddlers, you can also take advantage of their afternoon nap, so make sure to plan accordingly.
#5: Snacks must be readily available
Hungry kids are agitated and difficult (and we don’t blame them; after all adults are no different!). So, to make sure your nerves will be able to make the trip in good form, keep emergency snacks in the car. Also, make sure to add some special snacks (cookies, candy, and more from this category) to your toolkit, because kids will get bored of fruits and veggies really quick!
Also, it helps if you promise to stop for gelato or a burger if they behave. Food can be a powerful bargaining chip, so make sure to use it accordingly.
#6: Car games are important
When all else fails, car games are your final trick to keep order in your vehicle. There are plenty of cool games you can try, but the ones that are easier to understand are ‘I spy …’ or counting cars of a certain colour and type.
You can also play the plates game, but this only works with bigger kids. The main idea is to keep them entertained so make sure to do your research on cool games for the road before leaving home!