On The Road Again

J ust like Willy Nelson, I         be fun, exciting and definitely    could not wait to get on        not tiresome. With a family of     the road again.                 five our preferred mode of travel                                        is driving.                        After five years of marriage my                                          husband and I had traveled to         We make our hotel stops safe,      France, Florida, Missouri,            fun, and exciting by following     Georgia and the Caribbean. We had     some simple rules, and, with       also taken many weekend trips         minimal planning, easy.            around my husband's hectic work                                          schedule.                             Just remember that jumping up                                            from your chair each time your     That all changed January 16,1992      toddler/preschooler reaches        - or so we thought.                   danger is exhausting!                                                                                       The next three months were a          1.Travel with a child proofing     blur; bottles, diapers, and lack      kit: electrical outlet covers,     of sleep, times two. When I           doorknob covers, string to tie     finally returned to work, after       cabinets closed and the number to  twelve weeks, my life had             the poison control center.         drastically changed.                                                                                           2. Don't open windows or trust     My husband and I did not venture      the safety of screens; they can    on another vacation for seven         be pushed out by an assertive      years. By that time the twins         toddler.                           were seven and our youngest was                                          two.                                  3. Check the room for hazards,                                           such as lamps that can pulled      I quickly learned how traveling       down, sharp edges on coffee        with our youngest children could      tables, poison plants or throw     rugs.                                                                                                          6. Remove electrical cords that    4. Check for small objects left       might be hazardous.                by previous occupants in drawers,                                        cabinets or under the nightstands     7. Remove chemicals from beneath   or beds.                              the sink in the kitchen or                                               bathroom.                          5. Take the knobs off of stoves                                          and return them when needed.          Happy travels!                     About the Author: Gail Morris is the mother of four children with an extensive pediatric medical background. Her ideas are time tested and mother approved! If you want more information (printable games, checklists, emergency information, budget travel) or would like her semi-monthly free newsletter, Your Family Resources, visit http://www.YourEzBooks.com. Source: www.isnare.com