Kids in cars and campsites

[katwoman]

Another member wants to travel with 2yr old, so I thought I should start a new idea. Most of us have kids at all different age groups.
What do or did you do to keep them occuppied ? Different age groups need different challenges. The DVD player is usually No 1, but one small setback with them, in my GU it is roof mounted, so when screen is open it blocks most of the back window. In the city I turn it off, ( muuuu-um, I was watching that !) Which is where the Nintendo DS comes in handy. I also delegate my 9 yr old girl to be camera-person. She has the time, and usually takes better, more original photos. Being digital, you just delete the 700 she's taken of herself !
So, what do you do ?? What age group ??
This goes for campsites as well. First thing is always send kids to get firewood, while Mum and Dad set up camp. ( I'm holding the damn pole, do it yourself !!)
C'mon Girls.. your chance to shine !! Steal his keyboard, and/or phone, better yet get your own..

[NissanGQ4.2]

2 keep my sanity and the kids entertained, I tie them 2 the bull bar until i arrive at destination. Works 4 me, but may not work for other parents

[katwoman]

2 keep my sanity and the kids entertained, I tie them 2 the bull bar until i arrive at destination

haha, I would, but they always bend the UHF aerial and block my spotties !

[nowoolies]

strewth i was being nice and put my reply on the night shift lmfao

[Bigrig]

Here goes:

4 year old boy: camping he self regulates, just wants to run and play - loves a good straight stick (will collect heaps of them! lol). Driving he sleeps - all the time even when extreme 4wd'ing as everyone saw first hand at LCMP the other week.

6 year old girl: camping - she is awesome - doesn't want to be within cooee of the adults, wants to run, ride a bike, swing, throw rocks in creeks, etc, etc. Driving is a mix - will sneak a sleep on road and passes the time by counting cars, windmills, sheep, whatever ... wants to be in the front when 4wd'ing as per the video - dead set thrill seeker in the making.

10 year old girl: camping and driving it doesn't matter - she is off with the pixies, so as long as there are butterflies flying, stars shining or grass growing, she is sorted.

15 year old boy: camping is ok and tries to involve himself in more of the adult talk and activity as he's 'at that age' where he wants to be a 'manly man, doing manly things' - only problem with that is he's sharp as a tack at school, but dull as a bowling ball when it comes to all things nature and self sufficiency - that said, easy work, always helps out, just needs guidance in doing so - give him that, and he's sorted! Driving - listens to his iPod and usually drives with me (as the missus takes her jeep also), great passenger who takes care of the driver and the kids (drinks, food, mutes the radio when the phone rings or someone talks on the UHF etc) - does a fair bit of 4wd'ing basics each time we take him out, so he's always keen to both travel there and to be there. Loves 4wd'ing as a recreation and wants a shorty for his first car.

Phew ... that was an effort!! LOL

[katwoman]

Here goes:

4 year old boy: camping he self regulates, just wants to run and play - loves a good straight stick (will collect heaps of them! lol). Driving he sleeps - all the time even when extreme 4wd'ing as everyone saw first hand at LCMP the other week.

6 year old girl: camping - she is awesome - doesn't want to be within cooee of the adults, wants to run, ride a bike, swing, throw rocks in creeks, etc, etc. Driving is a mix - will sneak a sleep on road and passes the time by counting cars, windmills, sheep, whatever ... wants to be in the front when 4wd'ing as per the video - dead set thrill seeker in the making.

10 year old girl: camping and driving it doesn't matter - she is off with the pixies, so as long as there are butterflies flying, stars shining or grass growing, she is sorted.

15 year old boy: camping is ok and tries to involve himself in more of the adult talk and activity as he's 'at that age' where he wants to be a 'manly man, doing manly things' - only problem with that is he's sharp as a tack at school, but dull as a bowling ball when it comes to all things nature and self sufficiency - that said, easy work, always helps out, just needs guidance in doing so - give him that, and he's sorted! Driving - listens to his iPod and usually drives with me (as the missus takes her jeep also), great passenger who takes care of the driver and the kids (drinks, food, mutes the radio when the phone rings or someone talks on the UHF etc) - does a fair bit of 4wd'ing basics each time we take him out, so he's always keen to both travel there and to be there. Loves 4wd'ing as a recreation and wants a shorty for his first car.

Phew ... that was an effort!! LOL

Thx for the serious answer, Scott

[Bigrig]

Thx for the serious answer, Scott

It's the last one - it really took it out of me!! LOL

[nowoolies]

it's the last one - it really took it out of me!! Lol

quick someone get the man a sixpac hahahahahahaha

[damianovdd]

8 year old girl: first rule - never read at traveling. Reading during a driving damages the eyes (imho). Well we don`t have a dvd in the car, so what we do - we all are playing some games, tell stories, singing songs or just enjoy watching the nature, little nap... Well our longest travel was 8 hours, but usually we spend 3-4 hours for reaching the destination - not big country.
When we arrive she takes all her staffs - books, pens ect. and plays what she wants. But also must add that usually we are traveling not alone, so there are one or more children to play.

[Finly Owner]

My three sit in cages and get let out every 4-5hrs on leash for leg up and releive, quick drink and back in cage. No sickness or noise. Good travellers.

Tim

[Clunk]

well what you do is, leave them round their grandparents house, that way it absolves you of all responsibility and leaves you to enjoy your journey and holiday in peace................ let the grandparents decide how they're gonna keep the little spogs occupied hahahaha

[katwoman]

well what you do is, leave them round their grandparents house, that way it absolves you of all responsibility and leaves you to enjoy your journey and holiday in peace................ let the grandparents decide how they're gonna keep the little spogs occupied hahahaha

You know that is also one of our options..
'That's what nanna's are for' is a saying in our house !!

[Bigrig]

You know that is also one of our options..
'That's what nanna's are for' is a saying in our house !!

Not us ... love getting the kids away from all things electronic etc and they all love camping ... We go every 6-8 weeks or thereabouts as we all love it - usually by ourselves just to 'get away'. That's when kids can just be kids and it's glorious to watch!

I'm obviously blessed to have fantastic travellers and fantastic campers ...

[Bob]

One of the Benefits of being old is that the Kids no longer come along on our Trips Just me and Lorraine Bliss.

[AB]

I'm doing my first mission with a 10 month old child at Easter so I'll get back to ya's...lol

She falls asleep in the car so hoping that tradition can keep up with longer trips!

[boggy2006]

to keep my sanity when driving somewhere I leave the wife and kids at home. If they have to come, I just imagine drinking lots of beer when we finally get there, it gets me through the journey!!

Seriously though, as the kids are only 2.5 and 4 years old, they usually sleep. But my 4 year old sometimes doesn't now, so I have a DVD player as backup, which I haven't used yet, plus is fits to the headrest and I've only got one of them. So which child gets the best view will be the next challenge!

[Bigrig]

to keep my sanity when driving somewhere I leave the wife and kids at home. If they have to come, I just imagine drinking lots of beer when we finally get there, it gets me through the journey!!

Seriously though, as the kids are only 2.5 and 4 years old, they usually sleep. But my 4 year old sometimes doesn't now, so I have a DVD player as backup, which I haven't used yet, plus is fits to the headrest and I've only got one of them. So which child gets the best view will be the next challenge!

Hahahaha ... I imagine a vat of beer to swim in at the end of the drive every time I take wheel, whether the wife and kids are there or not!!! lmfao

[boggy2006]

Hahahaha ... I imagine a vat of beer to swim in at the end of the drive every time I take wheel, whether the wife and kids are there or not!!! lmfao

even drowning in it, would be a great way to go! Then you don't have to face the drive home either!! LOL

[Bigrig]

even drowning in it, would be a great way to go! Then you don't have to face the drive home either!! LOL

LOL!!! now you're with me!!!

[rkinsey]

I have two kids, 15 year old girl and 13 year old boy (and the trouble and strife!) On the highway they have their iPods but I encourage them to read as well. No DVD players here.In the bush however is a differnet story. Ipods are off and they are involved in where we go and which mud puddles to go through. "Dad! Whats up that trail?" "Dunno, says I. Lets have a look shall we?" The Mrs just hangs onto the panic bar with a vice like grip and doesnt say anything. She is getting better though, hasnt thrown up on our last trip at all. So she is starting to settle down.

Camping, everyone is involved in setting up camp, tents, fires and kitchen. Kids have to set the main fire and light it themselves. (They take turns) entertainment is exploring our suroundings and getting to know where things are and how to get back to camp. Lots of reading. No computers, mobile phones, iPods or electronic devices allowed. Thats the whole idea of getting away. The kids dont mind either. They enjoy the great outdoors. The rest is we all go exploring the area and go fishing. Well, they fish, I untangle and bait hooks the entire time. Mianly for the missus..... argh!

Cheers,

Rob

[Bigrig]

I have two kids, 15 year old girl and 13 year old boy (and the trouble and strife!) On the highway they have their iPods but I encourage them to read as well. No DVD players here.In the bush however is a differnet story. Ipods are off and they are involved in where we go and which mud puddles to go through. "Dad! Whats up that trail?" "Dunno, says I. Lets have a look shall we?" The Mrs just hangs onto the panic bar with a vice like grip and doesnt say anything. She is getting better though, hasnt thrown up on our last trip at all. So she is starting to settle down.

Camping, everyone is involved in setting up camp, tents, fires and kitchen. Kids have to set the main fire and light it themselves. (They take turns) entertainment is exploring our suroundings and getting to know where things are and how to get back to camp. Lots of reading. No computers, mobile phones, iPods or electronic devices allowed. Thats the whole idea of getting away. The kids dont mind either. They enjoy the great outdoors. The rest is we all go exploring the area and go fishing. Well, they fish, I untangle and bait hooks the entire time. Mianly for the missus..... argh!

Cheers,

Rob

Sounds like our trip concepts of why you get away and what everyone does come from the same mold!!

[rkinsey]

Sounds like our trip concepts of why you get away and what everyone does come from the same mold!!

Yeah Scotty. I want to teach them about the bush and how to work with nature rather than against her and to enjoy what we have. You can sit at home anytime and play computer games but only get the chance to do the fun things in life every so often.

[Bigrig]

Yeah Scotty. I want to teach them about the bush and how to work with nature rather than against her and to enjoy what we have. You can sit at home anytime and play computer games but only get the chance to do the fun things in life every so often.

Here, here!!! Me too ... have to be honest and say that when we go, the kids get pretty excited and don't even seem to think of packing the ipod's, Nintendo's, etc ... especially if you have a fire each night - not out to breed pyromaniacs, but the kids just love a fire (and marshmallows!!! They'll stand there for hours if you have a big enough pack of marshmallows!!! LOL).

[rkinsey]

Here, here!!! Me too ... have to be honest and say that when we go, the kids get pretty excited and don't even seem to think of packing the ipod's, Nintendo's, etc ... especially if you have a fire each night - not out to breed pyromaniacs, but the kids just love a fire (and marshmallows!!! They'll stand there for hours if you have a big enough pack of marshmallows!!! LOL).

A good fire is the TV of the bush! Marshmallows are just a bonus.... hehehe

[Silver]

We have a six year old girl. During the day we stop every few hours while travelling in a park to kick a ball, play on swings, have a drink etc.

In camp she rides a bike where safe. She also loves colouring and craft so we provide a table and supplies for same. She usually accumulates a few friends who join in. For after dark and before bed, and esp while we are busy with preparing dinner etc, we ensure there is lighting over said table - and it is ama2ing how most of the kids turn up to play in the lit area under our tarp - and how little intervention has been required (so far)

[katwoman]

It's great that kids can still find each other like that in this day and age. We travel alot and Princess always comes back to camp with a friend in tow after about 2 min.
Although sadly you need to watch them more. It's good to see this friend finding hasnt died out completly.

[Silver]

I have two kids, 15 year old girl and 13 year old boy (and the trouble and strife!) On the highway they have their iPods but I encourage them to read as well. No DVD players here.In the bush however is a differnet story. Ipods are off and they are involved in where we go and which mud puddles to go through. "Dad! Whats up that trail?" "Dunno, says I. Lets have a look shall we?" The Mrs just hangs onto the panic bar with a vice like grip and doesnt say anything. She is getting better though, hasnt thrown up on our last trip at all. So she is starting to settle down.

Camping, everyone is involved in setting up camp, tents, fires and kitchen. Kids have to set the main fire and light it themselves. (They take turns) entertainment is exploring our suroundings and getting to know where things are and how to get back to camp. Lots of reading. No computers, mobile phones, iPods or electronic devices allowed. Thats the whole idea of getting away. The kids dont mind either. They enjoy the great outdoors. The rest is we all go exploring the area and go fishing. Well, they fish, I untangle and bait hooks the entire time. Mianly for the missus..... argh!


Cheers,

Rob

give her the driving seat? My loverly wife loves to drive. the challenge for me is keeping my trap shut unless asked :-) Your plan otherwise lines up with ours.

[Silver]

It's great that kids can still find each other like that in this day and age. We travel alot and Princess always comes back to camp with a friend in tow after about 2 min.
Although sadly you need to watch them more. It's good to see this friend finding hasnt died out completly.

I grew up with the 'be home when the street lights come on' when I wasn't plowing up and down a pool. It is interesting to think about the risks, real and imagined, of allowing our kids to play like that today. And then compare that with the increased rate of early onset type 2 diabetes etc, and the just reported study on the increased risk of heart disease in even fit looking people from extended periods sitting down. Really we pay attention to the wrong risks when we keep our kids inside too much.

Hmmm, I've had a couple of reds and have been sitting here for a couple of hours, maybe I better find a helmet and ride the fat adult's version of the raor scooter (keyboard won't type the 26th letter, something to do with the better part of a glass of chardonay) up and down the street for a while :-)

Agree that watching water and fire appeared to be programmed into us somehow.

[katwoman]

There is a thread for those on alcoholic beverages..lol. sadly it's not me

[Silver]

It's not me that is affected by chardy, not tonight anyway - it's the laptop! Ama2ingly enough, although even after an extended period of rehab - for which read drying out with the battery removed, by all the signs it was dead after I carelessly spilled about a 1/4 of a glass of chardy into the keyboard and speaker area. Seemed not to like French chardy :-(.

However when confronted with its replacement loaded with instructions on how to undo the damage, the relevant tools and a position on a table with good light, it came back to life. All but the 26th letter. Wife has forbidden me from carrying out repairs, even though in my heart of hearts I know all that sugar is doing no good at all inside the machine now known as 'P!ss pot laptop'.

[Caspar]

I just had a little girl and now I have an idea on how I can heep her occupied. :)

[katwoman]

It's not me that is affected by chardy, not tonight anyway - it's the laptop! Ama2ingly enough, although even after an extended period of rehab - for which read drying out with the battery removed, by all the signs it was dead after I carelessly spilled about a 1/4 of a glass of chardy into the keyboard and speaker area. Seemed not to like French chardy :-(.

However when confronted with its replacement loaded with instructions on how to undo the damage, the relevant tools and a position on a table with good light, it came back to life. All but the 26th letter. Wife has forbidden me from carrying out repairs, even though in my heart of hearts I know all that sugar is doing no good at all inside the machine now known as 'P!ss pot laptop'.
haha, hate a alcoholic laptop !