Travel by car: games to play in the car for children
The basic rules:
toy on hand
Always keep a toy close at hand, especially for the little ones. Perhaps tied to the seat with a cord, so that it does not fall and does not have to be picked up several times, creating dangerous situations and unnecessary distractions for those behind the wheel.
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Toys for the exclusive use of the car
Get a toy that is for the exclusive use of the car. That is, that it remains there - in the passenger compartment - and that the child is perfectly aware that it will only be found once he gets on board. This will entice him to get into the car and, moreover, it will be a not too inflated fun.
Board games
You can also invent a whole series of games to involve, not only the little ones, but the whole family. “Count the red cars”; “Whoever sees a yellow car first”… Look for a car with a license plate that has the letter “C”.
Analog and digital remedies
To be always taken into consideration as games and activities to do in the car with children, stories, tales, classic sound tales, now easily accessible through the most common music apps. Also useful, but without exaggerating, are tablets, books, papers and colored pencils. Materials to avoid if, on the other hand, the child suffers from car sickness. Let's not forget in this case to invite him to look out the window. Observing the outside world that passes quickly under his eyes can, among other things, provide an opportunity for a chat or reflection.
The Montessori bag
We would also like to point out a great classic as a game to play in the car with children: the Montessori toy bag. You can create an ad hoc one for travel, in which to insert small objects that can be useful to entertain them: from toy cars to small soft toys, without forgetting, perhaps, even a magic blackboard. In short: here you can really indulge yourself. Just use your imagination, also satisfying our children's tastes and preferences.
These are some general suggestions, but at Mamme in Auto we would also like to suggest some games to play in the car with the children, based on the age group.
Games to play in the car for children up to 2 years:
- Prepare a compilation with all your favorite songs and lullabies to make them relax. Music is always a good resource in the first years of life!
- A simple colored bag, tightly closed with something inside, capable of producing a funny noise (similar to those of potato chips) can be very useful. It is perfect for capturing the interest of the little ones.
- Remember to bring blanket, cushion, and favorite puppets or other small games that the child is fond of. For the little ones, equip yourself with the classic games that you can put in your mouth ... They always help!
Games to play in the car for children from 3 to 5 years:
- Sing a song with the children
- The riddles are always among the most popular among the games to be played in the car: they favor and arouse the curiosity of children. You can also prepare colored sheets first, with riddles, put them in a bag and fish them, once you get on board.
- Small themed quizzes, on topics particularly congenial to children. Dinosaurs, fairies, cars, cartoons, fairy tale characters.
Games to play in the car for children from 6 to 8 years:
- Race to discover new words. Do you remember the game: "A ship is coming loaded with ..." adding a final letter from which to start to pronounce a word.
- A little more advanced riddles that involve real mysterious objects: by giving only a few simple clues, you have to find the solution!
- Math competition: small calculations or times tables. A way to always keep fit and to speed up calculation skills.
Games to play in the car for children from 8 to 10 years:
- The game of plates: you identify one and you have to invent a word that contains, for example, the first two letters, or alternatively the last two.
- Or, to complicate the game a little, more words could be formed with each single letter.
- In some cases, but it does not have to be the first choice, you can use smartphones and tablets, using - in particular - game apps related to quizzes and memory and skill games. There are many, available, and everyone can choose the one that best suits their attitudes.
In short, mothers: there are many games for children to play in the car and we are sure that with your imagination you will be able to satisfy even the most demanding requests! Thus the sentence: "Mom, when are we arriving?" It could become - perhaps - just a distant memory!
