* 34% of adults feel anxious before setting off on trips with kids
* 35% of adults admit to having been distracted by kids in the car
* 73% of adults say that children getting bored is the toughest part of travelling with them
* Advice from parenting expert Dr Claire Halsey
* Admiral has produced a Podcast to make long journeys more enjoyable
They might be useful for getting from A to B, but without cars, generations of exasperated mums and dads wouldn't have had to endure the endless roars of "are we there yet?" that have emanated from their irate kids ever since the dawn of the long distance road trip.
A new survey by car insurance specialist Admiral reveals that 34% of adults admitted they feel anxious before setting off on car trips with their kids and a shaken 2% even admitted that their kids' behaviour has almost caused an accident. In fact, a third of drivers admitted to having been distracted by kids in the car when on long journeys.
73% of adults said that kids getting bored is the toughest part of travelling with them, with regular trips to the loo and fights breaking out next in the list on 36% and 30% respectively. They also reveal that it takes between 21 and 40 minutes for kids to get bored in the car on a long journey.
Admiral enlisted the help of clinical psychologist and parenting expert, Dr Claire Halsey, to find out how to make journeys as stress free as possible and she thinks that preparation is the key, "Whether you're taking the family out for a day trip or travelling to your holiday destination every parent wants the drive to be a pleasant start to the summer break. Increase the chance of a peaceful ride by organising plenty to entertain, schedule lots of breaks in the journey and agree a clear set of rules and rewards for good behaviour."
The survey results also showed that a quarter of adults bribe kids with food or presents for good behaviour, while favourite games like I Spy and 20 Questions also serve as popular diversions.
Dr Halsey advises
§ Before your journey agree the rules for harmony in the car, such as "Stay in your seats, use a quiet voice, share nicely and don't hit or hurt others."
§ Be clear about the rewards for children who stick to the rules and quick to praise them when they're doing well.
§ Put plenty of thought into a variety of in-car entertainment, plan regular refreshment stops to keep you alert and let children run off some energy as well as getting that all important toilet break.
Dr Halsey concludes, "Misbehaviour in the car can be both distracting and dangerous so if squabbling breaks out be prepared to find a safe place to pull over so you can remind children of the in-car rules and calm the situation."
So, with 67% of adults agreeing that keeping kids entertained is vital for an easy, tantrum free car trip, Admiral has created the Family Fun Journeys Podcast full of games to play with kids on those long journeys. You can download the Podcast by visiting www.admiral.com and clicking on the Family Fun Journeys link where you'll also find some fun puzzles and colouring games.
Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, commented, "With the school holidays upon us it's a shame that so many people seem to get anxious before a long journey with the thought of bored and squabbling kids looming large in their minds so hopefully the Podcast might go some way in making journeys an altogether more pleasant experience."