August 2021 Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

Father’s day by Rob Weisskirch
Kids and
Road Trips
With summer in full swing, there is
still time for a family road trip. For
me, road trips are both nostalgic and
opportunities for new experiences
with my family. Recently, we headed
south to Los Angeles to visit relatives
we have not seen since before the
pandemic. I have learned lots of tips to
have a successful family road trip.
In preparing for the trip, it is easy
to cede the packing to mom. As a
dad, if you are not doing the packing,
I suggest you take charge of the incar
snacks. I have become responsible
for the snack bag (with consultation,
of course) and ensure a good mix of
healthy and less healthy treats, salty
and sweet ones, and novel snacks. To
make the long car ride less tiresome,
special, car-trip-only snacks help,
even if they are junk. This time, it was
special gummy candy, which was
doled out in intervals for all to enjoy.
I also loaded up the tablet with
movies and kid-appropriate TV
shows. I am not a fan of the electronic
babysitter, but on a long car trip, I
don’t see much harm in providing my
daughter with entertainment that she
doesn’t usually watch. We also limited
the amount of time watching the
screen to after lunch so that there was
an incentive for expected behavior. It
worked, and there was far less whining
as a result. Headphones are essential
for happy parents, and I have found
that the over-the-ear type is more
comfortable for most kids.
I want my daughter to see the
expanse of what California looks like
outside of our area. My wife and I
are veterans of long car trips with our
parents and recall many hours spent
staring out the window. We talked
about how the landscape of dry,
yellow hills, oak trees, and stray cows
was more of what California looks like
than the beachy coastline where we
live. As we drove, I pointed out the
neat rows of almond trees and the oil
rigs in the middle of the state so that
she would learn more about California.
I showed her the California aqueduct
and explained how the water travels
south to supply the residents. We also
talked about the range of temperature,
given the summer heat.
reasons to partner
with Trinity Christian
1. Love for Christ and each other.
2. Transformation of student lives.
3. Outstanding education, arts,
and athletics.
4. Relationship-based school. Teachers
treat each student with respect and
concern, available to help students
individually along the way, giving them
the support they need to succeed.
ENROLLING NOW
GRADES 6-12
visit trinityhigh.org
(831) 656-5434 | 680 Belden, St. Monterey
14 montereybayparent.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • august 2021