Why Short Rides Help
Why are car rides suddenly terrifying for your toddler? Who knows! (I’m not an expert in child psychology.) But one thing that worked wonders for us: keeping rides short. Around 20 minutes seemed to be the magic number.
Try a New Toy
Introduce something interesting: a toy car, a small puzzle. Think of it as a distraction strategy. You’re not bribing them with an iPad (not that there's anything wrong with that on occasion), just giving them something new to focus on.
The Power of Music
For some reason, the Wiggles seem to solve more issues than most parenting books. Make a playlist of their favorite songs. Yes, you’ll hear the same ones on repeat, but it’s a small price to pay for peace.
Explain the Ride
Before you leave, say something like, “We’re going to Grandma’s house. There will be cookies.” (It doesn’t hurt to sprinkle in a bit of bribery here.) Be honest, but keep it positive.
Plan a Quick Stop
If the destination is a bit far, plan a stop. A place with ducks (or a short walk) changes the mood completely. It can also serve as a clue to their preferred trip length.
Story Time Example
Last week, my three-year-old, Ella, screamed whenever we mentioned getting in the car. I tried saying, “Let’s go see the ducks. We’ll be there soon.” The promise of feeding ducks (and, okay, a granola bar) was enough to get her strapped in without tears.
Leaving You With This
This won’t fix everything, but try these and watch what happens. You might find yourself singing the Wiggles in the shower out of habit, though.