This post is in partnership with Neosporin.
Oh the places we will go… this summer on the road. Summertime means long days, hot summer nights, cookouts, swimming pools and road trips. Of course, for people with kids, summer road trips look a little different than those of our youth. Music for the mood and hair in the wind has taken an abrupt turn for hair in a pony, lots of potty breaks, snacks and Band-Aid bandages!
Being a stay-at-home-mom means that I am usually the one that is preparing for our epic road trip experience. I’m so used to this duty that most of the time I forget to ask my husband for his input. And, really, keeping him happy while he is logging hours behind that wheel should be at the top of my list. So, I decided that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t the only one who forgot to ask Dad what his thoughts were on what will make an epic road trip more epic.
So, I’ve enlisted the help of the King of the Road, the Top Dog, the Big Daddio, you know, the one who does most of the endless driving. Without further ado I give you Mommamamom and the Big Daddio’s top summer road trip essentials…
Mommamamom says– Ration the drinks, so you don’t have to make too many unplanned stops (okay, I’m joking…well maybe only half joking).
Big Daddio says- Map out your stops before you start. Make them fun and educational (if possible). For instance, choose a historical landmark or our personal favorite, a historic civil war site, to stretch your legs. If you stop at a boring rest stop, you can always do a quick 10 minute cardio workout. It’ll give onlookers a good laugh and release some stored up energy in your kids!
Mommamamom says– Inevitably someone is going to get scratched, bruised or cut. Be prepared by packing a First Aid Kit. Your kit should include Band-Aid bandages, tweezers, barf bags (super important for the road) gauze, tape and Neosporin. Neosporin Pain, Itch, Scar is my newest secret weapon for road maverick families! This product packs in multiple benefits (like pain and itch relief) so we no longer have to purchase a line-up of products. Plus, protecting my family’s skin in a priority and this summer essential helps minimize the appearance of scars by 38%. The future is looking clear and the memory of battle wounds is looking meek.
Big Daddio says– Introduce the kids to some old school music, witha great playlist for the trip! You get to listen to music you like and they get exposure to another genre. Win win.
Big Daddio says– Play road trip games like name that tune (you already have a great playlist to start it out), the license plate game or 20 questions. Oh, and “I Spy” is always a big hit with our kids, young and old!
Mommamamom says– Pack low sugar snacks. The last thing we parents want on long road trips is a kid or two on a sugar high! Pretzels, popcorn, fruit and nuts are good choices. Water is always best for the kids whereas caffeine may be a necessity for the hubby.
Big Daddio says– Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the headphones for the kids. These will become useful for those who start to complain about the radio choice or want to use their electronics. It’s nice sometimes for everyone to listen to their own thing so the adults can actually have a conversation or just enjoy the quiet scenery.
