Are we nearly there yet? Seven ways to avoid the kids' car travel questions

Parents are all too familiar with the eventual chorus of “are we nearly there yet?” emanating from the rear seats and waging the battle to keep childhood boredom at bay on long trips. With a Car DVD Player, it’s easier for them to keep their kids entertained.

Now those clever clogs at the Highways Agency, who endear themselves to drivers by ensuring a plentiful supply of cones on motorways and A-roads to lengthen journey times, claim to have pinpointed the exact length of time it takes for the kids to pipe up with AWNTY?

The government body says that two hours and 23 minutes usually elapse before the time-honoured cry goes up. The agency also claims that, 14 minutes later, ‘angry rows’ start to break out.

Its advice is as predictable as queues on the M25: “A decent break should help stave off the children’s boredom.”

Actually, it’s not a bad idea. So, add it to our highly selective (and not so serious) super seven tips for keeping AWNTY? at bay:

1. Have vision

If you don’t possess a tablet, an in-car DVD player can be a blessing and can be bought for a lot less dosh. Isn’t technology wonderful?

 

2. Reach for the skies

If you live a boredom-free drive-distance from an airport brimming with tourist flights, this could be the one for you. So, passports at the ready and off you go.

3. Avoid the truth

A wee bit of deception never hurt anyone and, after all, distances are relative. ‘Not far now’, or ‘Just round the corner’ will probably work for a while.

4. Take the tablets

The iPad (or its equivalent) is a truly marvellous device, and no more so than when it is keeping junior occupied while the journey stretches on. Just make sure it is charged before hitting the road. A new survey of 2,000 parents by a deals website found that 46% with children aged between three and 15 admitted they were dependent on a 'nanny tablet' to keep the little angels occupied during journeys.

5. Don’t turn a wheel

The contrived term ‘staycation’ is heard a lot less now that the financial belt-tightening of recent years has abated. But rear-seat tantrums are highly unlikely to occur if you stay put.

6. Life is sweet

A little sugar-infused bribery can go a long way. Used sparingly, of course, favourite treats can help make the journey more palatable. Fruit gum, anyone?

7. Game time

That old favourite, I-spy, is always worth a go, and those saintly folk at the Automobile Association have come up with a number of distractions, from ‘Keep the Beat’ to ‘Car Bingo’ . An AA spokesman says: “Our games are simple to play and need nothing more than the instructions, imagination and a little piece of luck. Just download and print them.”

Happy holidays with your car DVD on the road!