Loved this article from Jenny Angelici, a local HB resident!
Here’s what we do in our minivan:
Ditch the DVD player. Do we really need this?
Roll down all the car windows. Children are like puppies — the breeze invigorates them. I recommend doing this at the end of the day when you don’t mind sacrificing your carefully coiffed hairdo.
Music is a must. Our favorite used to be The Wiggles. I was heartbroken when Greg left the band. Now, I pretty much rule the playlist with Pink and the Red Hot Chili Peppers currently leading the pack. However, I’ve had to explain to my boys that some questionable lyrics should not be repeated at school.
Bring a friend for pickup. Your little (and even not so little) ones will get a big kick out of seeing their favorite stuffed animal buckled-up and waiting for them in the car after school.
Ask open-ended questions. Each day after school, I will ask my boys what was their favorite thing about school. Now, before I have a chance to even ask, they are always ready with their answers.
Let the kids kick off their school shoes. I keep extra flip-flops in our minivan just for this reason. This way they don’t have to put their school shoes back on when we arrive at our destination. Also, it’s nice not to have to look for shoes when you want to quickly jump in the car and go.
Play flight attendant. Pretend like your kids are the passengers and you’re the super nice (not like that JetBlue guy) flight attendant. Have snacks and kids magazines ready. Our favorites are Ranger Rick and Highlights. Have fun hamming it up with announcements.
Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. It’s better to arrive early and have to wait, than stressing out everyone by having to rush.
Read the signs. Have your early readers tell you what the traffic signs say. Who doesn’t remember reading the STOP sign when they were little?
Enjoy the journey and talk about what you see. There is a whole world out those car windows and learning opportunities at every corner.
Jenny Angelici is a mother of two boys and a resident of Huntington Beach.
http://www.huntingtonbeachmazda.com
