My worst nightmare right now is being in the car with the kids. The radio is broken and the back door handle recently broke amongst a few other minor things. Now both kids have to climb through the same door. They sit a little too close to each other for my liking.
Let the CHAOS ensue...
SO, where do I spend the majority of my time these days?? THE CAR. My life just got way more hectic. Max recently started preschool at the Children's Center and we just started Paige in the Brain Balance program (which I am SUPER excited about and will talk about this program in my next post)
Both kids catch the bus from my parents house which is about a 8 min ride from my house. The kids go to school at opposite times of each other and Paige attends Brain Balance 3 times a week (which is about a 30-45 min drive depending on traffic). I now spend my days dropping off, picking up,dance class, doctors visits and squeezing in errands. We run around ALL. DAY. LONG. Because we spend so much time in the car, the kids seem to be more hungry as well - who wouldn't? We also seem to be in the car during meal times. I used to be so dead set against food in the car, well, those days are long gone! The problem is, my kids get worked up and over stimulated quickly (I think we all have a bit of cabin fever from being in such a confined space together so much). They become silly, emotional, wound up, etc. and before you know it, food is being thrown, shoes are flying across the seats, drinks are being dumped, kids are yelling at one another, screaming together and so much more. Once the car stops, they unbuckle themselves and they think the car is a jungle gym. I can't get out of the car quick enough to stop them before they are in the front seat pushing buttons and helping themselves to everything.
Its become extremely stressful driving and staying focused while constantly feeling like I have to break up a fight, ask them to please stop the potty talk, or whatever may be happening in the backseat. Being in the car so much, I feel like my car needs to be cleaned and vacuumed just about every other day! Perhaps a larger car is in order ....
So, now that I've vented :) I'd love to hear anyones advice or suggestions on how to make the car a more enjoyable space! How do you occupy your kids in the car? What are some snack ideas that may not cause such big messes? Any other helpful hints, tips or suggestions are WELCOME!
