Let's dive into a topic that many of us face when traveling with teenagers – the screen saga!

I get it, trust me. It's not always easy when their eyes are glued to the screen and missing the sights around us or engaging in the conversation inside the car. But you know what? It's all part of the journey. We've had our fair share of "put the phone down" moments, but here's the thing – amidst the struggle, you can still find moments of connection.

A screen free journey is probably not realistic, at least not for our family, but with intention, it is possible to minimize the mindless scroll and use the car time to connect.

Here are some tips to achieve that balance:

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Rock the Ride: Task your teenager with creating a road trip playlist that includes everyone's favorite songs. This way, they can enjoy their music while still participating in a shared family activity. Take turns adding songs to the playlist to make it inclusive. It was a pleasant surprise to listen to the reggae tunes my son picked for our family on a recent ride…and a nice break from his typical rap music. 🎵

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Say Yes to Shotgun: Try mixing up the usual seating arrangement. Offer your teenager the front seat and hop in back for a bit. This creates a new conversation dynamic in the car and opportunity to put them in charge of directions - they are on their phone anyways. This might include the responsibility of picking the next food stop. An added bonus, it reduces sibling bickering in the backseat, which is a stress reducer for us parents, especially the driver, traffic is stressful enough. 🚗🗺️

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Interactive Apps and Games: Encourage the use of interactive apps and games that involve multiple players. This could include trivia games, multiplayer apps, or an audio book. This not only keeps teenagers engaged but also fosters interaction with other family members. We tried a cool app while in Hawaii - Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Guide​

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Plan Screen Time Breaks: Incorporate planned breaks in the journey where everyone takes a break from screens. Use these breaks for meals, sightseeing, reading, conversation, or even just quiet time. Having designated screen-free periods helps prevent teenagers from becoming too absorbed in their devices.

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By incorporating these tips, you can create a road trip environment that allows teenagers to enjoy their screen time while still fostering family connections and making the overall experience more enjoyable for everyone.

So, to all the parents out there struggling with teens and screens, hang in there! It's a journey, not a destination, and those unplanned, genuine connections are possible.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure. Stay tuned for more insights on navigating travel with teens. Until next time!

Cheers to better travel with teens! ✈️😍

Mary Beth