Hey! Pipe Down Back There!

 It is a well known rule that traveling in a car with more than one child greatly increases the possibility that you will witness a fight or two – if you’re not very careful. Being hemmed in at any time is not something that any child takes kindly to – even if there is an opportunity for fun at the end of the journey. There is probably a mathematical equation along these lines, but suffice it to say that a lack of space, a surfeit of tempers and an atmosphere of “holiday time” can lead to high spirits going wrong – and this can play itself out in the form of yelling, tantrums and even blows being exchanged. It is important to be on top of the situation at all times.

If you are one of two parents traveling with children, there is a case to be made for one of you sitting in the back, either off to one side or in between your kids. This does risk lowering the level of communication between your kids and can occasionally make them feel as though they are being watched, but if you can enter into the holiday spirit, join in a few games or – even better – lead the games yourself, then you can keep a fun atmosphere while keeping a lid on the more combustible aspects of the situation. Kids don’t like to feel like they are being controlled, but they do tend to think that their parents are totally awesome for joining in.