On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get on the road again.

After five years of marriage my husband and I had traveled to France, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, and the Caribbean. We had also taken many weekend trips around my husband's hectic work schedule.

That all changed January 16, 1992 - or so we thought.

The next three months were a blur; bottles, diapers, and lack of sleep, times two. When I finally returned to work, after twelve weeks, my life had drastically changed.

My husband and I did not venture on another vacation for seven years. By that time the twins were seven and our youngest was two.

I quickly learned how traveling with our youngest children could be fun, exciting and definitely not tiresome. With a family of five our preferred mode of travel is driving.

We make our hotel stops safe, fun, and exciting by following some simple rules, and, with minimal planning, easy.

Just remember that jumping up from your chair each time your toddler/preschooler reaches danger is exhausting!

1. Travel with a child proofing kit: electrical outlet covers, doorknob covers, string to tie cabinets closed and the number to the poison control center.

2. Don't open windows or trust the safety of screens; they can be pushed out by an assertive toddler.

3. Check the room for hazards, such as lamps that can pulled down, sharp edges on coffee tables, poison plants or throw rugs.

4. Check for small objects left by previous occupants in drawers, cabinets or under the nightstands or beds.

5. Take the knobs off of stoves and return them when needed.

6. Remove electrical cords that might be hazardous.

7. Remove chemicals from beneath the sink in the kitchen or bathroom.

Happy travels!

Gail Morris is the mother of four children. Her ideas are time tested and mother approved! If you want more information (printable games, checklists, emergency information, budget travel) or would like her semi-monthly free newsletter, Your Family Resources, visit http://www.YourEzBooks.com

Related News

The Positive Power of "No" - KREN CW 27 TV The Positive Power of "No" KREN CW 27 TV, NV -Jul 7, 2008 As babies, children raised in a supportive home are the center of the universe. Everything is done for them. In their toddler years, children begin to ... How to spend more time with the children - guardian.co.uk How to spend more time with the children guardian.co.uk, UK -18 hours ago After spotting an advert in a trade publication, she bought a franchise of Musical Minis - which provides music classes for babies and toddlers - and has ... Signs show that babies can be taught simple hand gestures - St. Louis Post-Dispatch Signs show that babies can be taught simple hand gestures St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States -Jul 7, 2008 The program teaches babies, toddlers and young children to communicate using American Sign Language. This show reaches children by encouraging conversation ... The Less-Stress Family Vacation - Reader's Digest The Less-Stress Family Vacation Reader's Digest, NY -Jul 7, 2008 There's also the issue of sand: Older, more mobile babies and toddlers who are prone to putting things in their mouths will be a challenge. ... NBC urged to cancel 'Baby Borrowers' due to health, safety concerns - Reality TV World NBC urged to cancel 'Baby Borrowers' due to health, safety concerns Reality TV World, MA -Jul 7, 2008 "Separating babies and toddlers from their parents for extended periods of time can lead children to feel distress and anxiety," the organization wrote in ... Your Toddler Might Need a Cholesterol Test - U.S. News & World Report Your Toddler Might Need a Cholesterol Test U.S. News & World Report, DC -Jul 7, 2008 In the past, docs worried that babies wouldn't get enough fat, which is critical for brain development, if they didn't drink whole milk. ... Welcome to Nashville, Sunday Rose! - My Tennessean.com Welcome to Nashville, Sunday Rose! My Tennessean.com, TN -5 hours ago “Also, the best trick out there that worked wonders with my daughter and all my friends babies is a Fisher Price Infant Toddler Rocker… ... Kinderhotels offer a special menu for little ones - Easier (press release) Easier (press release) Kinderhotels offer a special menu for little ones Easier (press release), UK -10 hours ago With a Kinderhotel, travelling with children needn’t be a nightmare, because most baby and toddler equipment is provided free of charge. ... Calling All Babies and Toddlers: It's Time to Savor the Flavors of ... - Market Wire (press release) Calling All Babies and Toddlers: It's Time to Savor the Flavors of ... Market Wire (press release) -8 hours ago ... pomme bébé's summer menu creates yet another opportunity for busy families to build strong minds and bodies with 100% organic baby and toddler meals. ... Giving babies space to grow - The Dominion Post The Dominion Post Giving babies space to grow The Dominion Post, New Zealand -19 hours ago Instead, a toddler who is very sure of his newly-learnt walk, greets us with a gummy smile and leads the way to a room with half a dozen mums and babies, ...