Well over half of the people traveling for Thanksgiving are going to do so by car, which is all fun and games until someone in the back seat starts to whine and cry. Then the trip stops being all “Yay! Over the hill to Grandmother’s house we go!” and starts being way more, “Don’t make me pull over!”

Your trip doesn’t have to end that way. Not if you follow these tips.

1) Plan your departure time wisely.

If you child still naps and naps well in the car, then leave just at nap time. If your child never sleeps in the car then don’t.

2) Know your child.

When is he happiest and most upbeat? That’s the best time to travel.

3) Plan a few stops along the way.

Stopping to stretch your legs every two or three hours might seem like it would slow you down terribly, but it’ll make the time go faster.

4) Snack time!

Fun snacks make the road trip, no doubt about it. But plan wisely; too much sugar and chocolate might just backfire on you. As will too much water or soda.

5) Games! Games! Games!

You could all sit in the car and stare out the window, lost in your own thoughts, or you could have fun all the way!

‘I spy,’ ‘Name that Tune,’  and ‘The Alphabet Game’ can all be adapted to the ages and stages of the car’s occupants. Click here for the rules and for other fun games that will keep the whines at bay. ‘

6) Toys for more entertainment.

Snacks, songs, and car games only go so far to keep your family amused so you might also consider bringing along a few toys. Game consoles, Magna Doodles, and coloring books and crayons are usually a hit, but if you’re not sure what to bring, ask your child for input.

7) Be safe.

When the car is on, all the seat belts stay on. Simple, easy, and key. Don’t slip a crying infant out of the car seat, don’t let a preschooler bounce around the back, and grown-ups stay buckled up too. If you really need to give everyone a break, find a rest stop and let everyone stretch their legs. Even better, make them all do jumping jacks or run sprints to get the ants out of their pants!

Have fun, be safe, and don’t forget, it’s all about the journey, not the destination!

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Grown-up table centerpieces are fancy and beautiful, but the kid’s table deserves some attention beyond holiday paper plates and napkins. You can even make their decorations pull double duty: make the place festive and keep the kids entertained.

1) Start by covering the kids’ table with white butcher paper. You can draw the outlines of place mats directly onto the paper, or trace plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons to help little kids know how to set their table. Or you can leave the paper blank and let the kids’ creativity soar.

2) Supply crayons, markers, glitter glue, stampers, anything to give the kids something to play with before, during, and after dinner!

3) Get creative and fancy beforehand and make this adorable turkey centerpiece! Since it’s made with half of a Styrofoam ball, you can make two—one for markers and one for crayons.

4) Worried that your little diners will need more to distract them? Check out all the fun Thanksgiving coloring pages and activities supplied by Crayola or fill a centerpiece basket with tiny Playdoh tins, Silly Putty, stickers, or other fun treats.

With all that keeping the kids entertained grown-ups will have plenty of time to enjoy their meal, their wine, and the great company!

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Here’s a little parenting humor to remind us that sometimes it’s better to laugh than to cry when we realize that our lives no longer resemble anything we ever imagined.

You know you’re a parent when…

1. You refer to “using the restroom” as “going potty.” For yourself. In public. Around other adults.
2. You need a hair tie to put your hair in a ponytail and ask if anyone has seen a “pretty” for you to use. For yourself.
3. You cut up your husband’s steak into teeny, tiny pieces for him.
4. You’re not just a “parent” to your kids, but to everyone—asking if they’ve eaten enough, if they feel alright, if they need help (and not in a host-type way).
5. You’re always prepared—if someone needs a bandage, you have one. If someone needs crayons or a pen, you’ve got one. If someone needs a snack or juice, you’ve got one—mainly because you never leave the house without your “bag o’ tricks.”
6. Click here to visit Crazyadventuresinparenting.com to see the rest of this fantastic list. It just gets better and better.

When did you know you were really a parent?

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