Safe Summer Trips

Surprising as it may sound, not everybody loves a summer road trip. Yes, there is great fun to be had sitting in a car, cruising down the freeway with the sound system on and a sun in the sky up above. But, as much as the rock and roll cliché gives us it can all still not be enough for many people. A road trip is great fun if you are in the mood for it, but if even one passenger is not into the groove then all you will find is a sullen mood that spoils it for everyone. Essentially, the point is that when you wake up in the morning feeling like a road trip would be the most fun anyone could ever imagine, do not be so certain that everyone agrees. Gauge the mood first, before announcing your plan.

As long as everyone is up for it, a road trip can certainly be bunches of fun. Taking along your own entertainment is a start. This should include fun items for the kids, like new toys or hand held video games. It should also include music which is upbeat, but not intolerably so. A bit of Nirvana or Radiohead might be a little too heavy for most of the passengers, but at the same time a CD of Barney singing might be too annoying for the driver to be able to maintain concentration. Making a mix tape or CD for the car is a good idea, and this can get the kids involved. Get them to list some songs, get an older kid to compile the tape or CD, and allow everyone to have one veto when it comes to song choice. This will help avoid arguments.

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