Bored or Hungry?
When your child starts to whine that he is hungry,determine if he is truly hungry or simply bored.If you ate lunch just an hour ago,or he recently had a snack,he may be more bored than hungry.Distract him with activities and books that he can do in his seat,or play a fun car game that involves the whole family (go to Kids Just Want To Have Funto print games and activi- ties).
If he still insists that he is hungry,offer healthy snacks,like apples or bananas,instead of sugary treats for in-between meals.
Sugar tends to make kids anxious and fidgety,and with- out a venue to release their energy,you may be setting yourself up for stressful situations down the road.

Quench the Thirst
Instead of soda pop or juice,pack a cooler full of water bottles. Not only is water simply more healthy than sugar and caffeinat- ed drinks,but if it happens to spill,it will dry with no fabric stains! Also,if you need to clean a messy face or hands,youÕll have plenty of water available without having to make a stop. Speaking of making stops,remember that the more liquids your children consume,the more often they will have to use the rest- room.
If your goal is to arrive quickly at your destination with the least amount of stops,consider banning all liquids or only offer- ing them an hour before a scheduled stop.Whatever you do, donÕt make a child "hold it"for very long; make a restroom stop as soon as it is safely possible.
Most young children have to go to the bathroom 30 minutes before they announce it; therefore, making them wait is only setting them up for embarrassment and you for frustration.

Restaurants
Stopping for meals can break-up a long trip and refresh the entire family,even if it's only for 30 minutes.Choose restaurants that are family friendly Ð those that offer kids menus,high chairs,and placemat or coloring sheets to keep little hands occupied until the meal arrives.

Many fast food restaurants offer indoor or outdoor play centers for children to expend their pent-up energy.These are great for active children Ð just make sure they take time to eat their meal or you'll still have hungry kids when you get back into the car! If your children are a little older and not-so-picky eaters,it can be very fun to stop at small-town diners and restaurants.

Most times,you'll get a great home cooked meal and best of all,youÕll experience a little of the "local flavor"as you interact with the wait staff and town people.

Picnics
Packing your own meals to eat along the way will save you a lot of money and best of all,you can pack the things you know your family will eat,thus preventing the inevitable cry of "They donÕt have anything I like to eat!"

For safety reasons,only stop at designated rest stops or parks that offer public picnicking areas.Be polite to others and the environment,and throw away your trash when you are finished. If pets are with you,clean up any mess they may make as well.

Be sure to bring along a Frisbee or baseball to throw.This will expend your child's energy and loosen up your tired muscles! If the weather is not suitable for a picnic or you prefer not to stop,you can eat your picnic in the car.Just be sure to pack lots of napkins,wet wipes,and trash bags to dispose of your garbage.Giving children one food item to eat at a time may help prevent spills and messes.