Is it normal for children to get bored on long rode trips?

1. 51

   axxrichtposted 14 years ago

   Is it normal for children to get bored on long rode trips?
   
   My 8 yr daughter went on a long rode trip with her grandmother (a reitred educator) and she told her "once" that she was bored.  Her grandmother is now bringing her back home stating that she has never dealt with any of her grandkids saying they were bored.  I have 4 kids and at one point or another, they have all said that.  What can I bring to my daughter's grandmother to have a open and honest discussion as my daughter is now totally upset?  Thank you.

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2. 61

   freecampingaussieposted 14 years ago

   When we traveled as children our parents would give us maps, get us to check out what rivers , towns were coming up , we would play i spy and other games,
   we did the same with our girls and for a really big trip they had a computer game each as well.
   with nothing to do yes they will get very bored, they need something to do , even myself on a long trip will look at a mag or something

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3. 59

   wytegarillazposted 14 years ago

   Say hello to your daughter, tell her lots of kids get bored everywhere if they have nothing to do on a long road trip, Wrote an article about children
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Activities-to-a … l-children
   my kids were not bored as we made sure they had things to do

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4. 51

   axxrichtposted 14 years ago

   She took several things to keep her occupied as she has done on several trips with us; her family.  She had just woken up and her grandmother said she made the bored comment and her grandmother was ready to turn back home.  For my daughter to even say that was out of character but I took her grandmother's word.  She told me she whined and complained she was bored.  When I asked her how many times and when she said it, she cleared the air for me stating it was just the one time when she woke her up.  My repsonse to her grandmother was at one time or another in all my trips with my 4 kids ranging from 18 to 5 yrs old, they have all said or indicated they were bored.  I didn't feel the one time was enough to turn the vehicle around but for her to make the decision on what she felt was best as she was the one driving.  By the way, she called me back after an hour and indicated that they had a long talk and that she felt my daughter was sincere in that she was sorry she said that and that she would enjoy the trip from here on out.  Out of all my kids, my 8 year old was the one who always kept busy on trips and this was just so odd.  I asked her grandmother and her to both clear the slate and to start new and to create the memories that will carry them on for years and years.  Thank you all for your responses, I was truly upset with what had expired and I now hope they totally enjoy this special trip.
   Thank you all again.

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5. 58

   JustHonestposted 14 years ago

   It sounds like grandma took it personally, especially since she expected an apology.  You're right though - Kids get bored all the time.  Keeping yourself entertained or occupied is something that is eventually learned; it's a self discipline.  I'd explain that to Grandma.  Make sure she realizes your daughter wasn't saying SHE was boring, just that she could come up with nothing to keep herself occupied.

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6. 60

   eli greyposted 14 years ago

   My niece told me all summer how bored she was sitting around the house but she got out quite a lot, just not with me. It happens. In all honesty, it's something her grandmother will have to move past. Remind her of all the friends your daughter has and all the places she goes. I'm sure with four kids you're quite busy, but a dull moment even then is allowed.
   
   The time i spent with my niece is something I will miss though. School starts tomorrow and I'll be home alone. I tried to pretend I'd be happy but I'm gonna miss her so much. We fought at times, and other times we were splendid together. I'm not going to her first day of school, but I'm gonna try and do something special for her birthday next week.
   
   I'm sorry to put this here and get all emotional but I feel like the worst uncle in the world for not doing more with her when she asked. Towards the end she said she hated me and was always calling me mean for repremanding her. She was right to some extent because she never would have said those things if I wasn't so lousy. It's moments like this that you would want to give everything for a child's happiness. Her summer is over and I feel plain stupid.

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7. 72

   sofsposted 14 years ago

   It is quite natural for children to be bored on long road trips. It is up to the adult to keep them interested and involved. I am amazed that a retd school teacher isn't aware of this. Lots of books on travel, some games to spot somethings on the road etc can keep children going. My husband and I drive  a lot during the holidays and keep both our children engaged with something or the other. Speak to your daughter and explain the situation to her, i am not so sure that her grandma is going to see sense right away. Wait for some time before you speak to her

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8. 59

   juiwei2000posted 14 years ago

   You kidding me?  Sometime even adults get bored on long road trips.  Of course children could get bored on long road trip.
   
   It all depend on the circumstances

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9. 56

   kebunsawitposted 14 years ago

   off course not, if your vacation funny..

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10. 0

    Rosemary Banksposted 14 years ago

    Yes children will get bored while traveling if you don't keep the atmosphere exciting. I have five grown children now but when they were young children they would say constantly as we were driving along are we there yet. So it is good to talk to them while traveling, take some toys or coloring books or something to keep them occupied. Another good thing is while driving let them sing some of the songs they learn in school or do questions and answers to see how much they know about certain subjects. And always stop and get them a treat and let them run and stretch their legs.

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