Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying!) A Family Road Trip ~
#4 - Maintain Discipline
All the normal rules still apply and discipline was carried out when the rules were broken. It's hard to carry it out on vacation, but I've found that I must. It might be nice to be off-duty from discipline, but that's reaps a nasty harvest in my experience. I also added additional incentive for good behavior from stop to stop. I had three clothespins where all could see. Each Blossoms' name was on one. If you were bad, you heard a warning and then I take your clothespin down (in addition to a spanking, if that was in order.) If your clothespin was up when we got to the potty stop, you got a special treat when we got back in the van and were buckled in. I used Starbursts because they take so long for little fingers to open! (That's less time available for boredom!) This little system worked well for us. I did use my little spanking spoon at necessary times, but they were the better for it. Just because you are strapped in for 13 hours doesn't mean you can be a brat. The funny thing is, it worked. I figured, I'm doing all I can to make their trip pleasant. They need to do their part to make it pleasant by behaving as well. And, I can honestly say that I enjoyed that time with them in the van, getting to read and interact more than usual. They enjoyed it as well. What a blessing!
