European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 25, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse Frequent stops make the trip go smoother by James c. Dobson q we re looking Forward Quot to this summer s vacation but we can t help dreading the Long hours in the car. What can we do to keep our kids contented while the hours. Pass by a a 7 a / a a i guess you be already noticed that. Children can be the most obnoxious and irritating on vacations and during other times when we Are specifically trying to please them. Typically the troops Are already engaged in combat before the family has even left town Tittle sister yells Quot i m telling every few minutes. The boys continue to punch each other in the shoulders. A in the front seat All this bickering is driving mom and dad crazy. They re already past the Point of words and they Are starting to lose control. As they contemplate the next 400 Miles the Only clues to what they re feeling Are their bloodshot eyes and the occasional facial twitches. Happy vacation mom and pop. You Only have 13 Days to go. Is that the kind of scenario you Are anticipating happily i think there Are some simple ways of Short circuiting some of this frustration and aggravation. On Long trips with kids a Little creative forethought goes a Long Way toward heading off boredom and crankiness and saving frayed parental nerves. Plan your trip so As to allow plenty of time for rest a and exercise stops along the Way a perhaps a 15-minute Stop every two hours or 100 Miles. Adults and children both need to stretch cramped leg Muscles every so often but. Kids As i m sure you know also have Large reservoirs of ready to Burn Energy that can t be released within the confines of a car. So Stop and let them run it off. These Brief interludes will make a big difference in the time you spend on the Road. The actual time spent in the car can be transformed from a grueling ordeal into a positive memorable experience provided you have a game plan. Bring along plenty of entertainment supplies. Familiar games and toys books paper and Pencil for drawing and fresh colouring books and crayons can be helpful. May toy stores carry games especially made for the Road. A few new items gift wrapped and doled out at predetermined intervals along the Way Are another effective diversionary tactic. Healthy snack foods like raisins nuts and fresh fruit can also provide precious moments of peace and quiet for the entire family. Watch the sugary stuff however. And then there Are a number of creative verbal games you can play together to while the hours and Miles away. Your children probably know several games of this kind and they could be included in the planning process at this Point or James c. Dobson is president of focus on the. A family on organization dedicated to preserving the Homo. Hla column appears in the stars and stripes on saturdays. Correspondence should be sent to him at focus on the. Family. . Box 444. Colorado Springs. Colo. 80903. It have Casey a break from the travails of travel helps prevent a breakdown for parents Ana children alike. American arms hotel presents. A the great american weekend r stay with us Friday saturday and sunday or any of those nights and i Joy our american hospitality and Comfort with a european flair. These Low prices include our american style breakfasts and world famous sunday Brunch Standard to Omta 1 night 2 nights 3 nights single occupancy $39 $69 $99 double occupancy $59 $99 $139 suite 4 a single occupancy $49 $79 $109 double occupancy $69 $109 $149 make reservations by calling 0611-343136. Monday thursday 8 . Noon 1 5 ., Friday 8 . Noon 1 3 30 $3 surcharge per person for saturday night. Some restrictions apply. American arms hotel 8t conference Center Wiesbaden Germany May 25, 19-94 travel 94 29
