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Dashboard Confessions Giveaway: Giving In On The Road
This week's Dashboard Confessions Giveaway is sponsored by Bediboo. Congratulations to the winner of our last Giveaway who won a Billboard Messenger Bag from Dadgear! This week's randomly selected winner will get a $75 gift coupon from the most excellent childrens store, Bediboo.com. Deadline to enter is 11pm, Friday June 6th. It's time to fess up!
Getting to your destination with kids breathing down your neck is no easy task. It's hard to keep your eyes on the road when you are hearing constant are-we-there-yets and she-touched-mes!
In order to keep the peace in the car, ordinary rules may not apply. Non tv-watching families may plug in for the long haul and junk food free types may load up on the munchies. We've even heard of families who like to let their kids travel in their Halloween Costumes. In July.
Whatever the case is in your car, we want to know! What rules do you let slide when you hit the road?
Important Note: In order to be eligible, please leave a comment and tell us your Dashboard Confession and also tell us which item in particular from the Bediboo website would be most likely to keep your kids entertained (or at least well dressed) on your next travel adventure.
in | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Dashboard Confessions, | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Giveaways,Coupons & Deals | Permalink |
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Previous Reader Opinions...
Nitrites are go! Seriously, anything our daughter wants to eat on the road is probably okay. She can have McNuggets at every stop if she so desires. Ick.Posted by: Naomi | May 31, 2008 7:37 AM
Emmaline Pea Handmade Blankets are so nice.Lets see we let slide when we are traveling is the amount of snacks they eat.Posted by: Nora Scott-Platt | May 31, 2008 4:02 PM
When we go on the road for a long trip, we often load up the car with toys, activities, and snacks for both girls. We stop often (every 1.5-2 hours) and while that will usually end up adding an hour to our trip, it makes the whole trip less exhausting, and it keeps the girls from getting stir-crazy. Pre-kids, DH and I would just drive as long as possible just so we could get there, but if we were to do that, we'd be dealing with a LOT of complaints from the kids. Letting them run around every couple hours, even for 5 minutes, makes an enormous difference. Bediboo has a lot of neat toys and activities--many of which are not listed on the website at the moment. From the website, the Safe Sippy is definitely going on our next trip. From her store, some of the Alex art activities would be perfect for my older daughter and quite possibly for my younger daughter.Posted by: Eileen | May 31, 2008 6:39 PM
great contestsPosted by: Melissa Resnick | May 31, 2008 6:49 PM
On a long trip (usually to my in-laws) Im always letting the crumbs all over the backseat slide... it usually drives me crazy, but with all the wackjobs on the road, Ive gotta let something go!!Posted by: Casey H | May 31, 2008 7:41 PM
My DD will get more juice (in boxes) when we're making the long trek to the in-laws. There are worse things, I suppose! :) As for Bediboo, I'm diggin' the robot plates! My DD would love the green plate because the robot has PINK on it! :)Posted by: Heather | May 31, 2008 8:00 PM
I try to have a wide variety of activities and snacks when we travel. I will have my daughter pack a backpack with her favorite books, crayons, activity books, and her Leapster. I will pick up movies, CDs, and books from the library. I also have some surprises for the way there and home (like the eeBoo lacing cards from Bediboo). I encourage my daughter to switch activities often. My son enjoys the Signing Time and Baby Einstein DVDs. Another good travel item is the Wee Sing CDs- they have a mixture of songs, finger plays, and short rhymes/stories that both my daughter and son find entertaining. As for snacks, I pack things like bunny crackers, dried fruit, cheese cubes, etc. They both need their Safe Sippys (from Bediboo) filled with water. I also have an emergency lollipop or two, as my daughter usually doesn't get them and they will keep her occupied and happy for at least 20 minutes!Posted by: Jen | May 31, 2008 8:05 PM
I would say babylegs would be useful. Whichever kid is complaining about the air conditioning being too cold could put them on his arms and/or legs to stay warm while the other one gets to have the cool air to cool down!! The rule we let slide is the "desert only after dinner". If they haven't driven us completely bonkers we let the get ice cream or something for desert when we stop for lunch!Posted by: Sherry Frick | May 31, 2008 8:28 PM
The lacing cards and the Haba Stockpile House 1, 2, 3 would really help keep my kids entertained. When we go on long car rides, the kids love kicking off their shoes and socks. In additon, we let them each bring a friend (stuffed toy) with hopes that they will get comfort and fall asleep. When they start to get bored, we play a game of how many different colored cars they see. For example, we'll count only red cars. My son really loves counting how many UPS trucks he can see on a long ride. Great giveaway. Thanks for offering this.Posted by: Margaret Smith | May 31, 2008 8:51 PM
Eating in the car. It is the easiest way to placate them even if my car will suffer.Posted by: Andrew Gordon | June 1, 2008 3:30 AM
We bring toys and books with us. Snacks and drinks are also a must have for a long trip. Little hand held game systems like the nintendo ds come with us and mp3 players. But most rules like behavior stays in place.Posted by: Shilo Beedy | June 1, 2008 7:41 AM
I think the Lacing Cards would be great for car trips-no mess!Posted by: Elaine | June 1, 2008 8:55 AM
I just love the personalized capes! My dashboard confession is hitting fast food drive-thru chains just to keep them happy and also the little toy they each get is a bonus for about 10 minutes...I have threatened to throw them out the window once or twice 3beez at bellsouth dot netPosted by: julie | June 1, 2008 10:50 AM
wow this sounds like it would be a fun contest to enter so please enter me i love to try and win this for my little one thanksPosted by: jennifer bowen | June 1, 2008 11:13 AM
Don't usually allow kids to eat in car but when are on a road trip, snacking in the car is a must. Love the Little Lubbaloo Baja String Art Tee -- adorable!Posted by: Stephanie V | June 1, 2008 11:17 AM
My hubby can't stand little noises, so tapping or little mouth noises are not allowed. haha! Otherwise, we bring the DS, movies and a player, an mp3 player (and headphones) and plenty of books. Snacks are usually of the healthy kind, but every once in a while, we stop at a gas station and grab junk. The French Bull Monster Plates and Robot Plates are hilarious...and I could probably use them on the road for small food stuffs. But I really, really like the Emmaline Pea Alec Eiffel Blanket. That would be great for the random and infrequent times when the little one actually falls asleep while we're driving.Posted by: Heather C | June 1, 2008 1:37 PM
I remember the day when my car was pristine and I actually thought that I wouldn't let kids eat in my car. HAH! Yep, eat in the car..anything to keep the peace. I like the reversible tutus. My granddaughter would look SO cute in one.Posted by: Kirsten | June 1, 2008 1:47 PM
First off (while it's on my mind)...the selecta dice are so awsome. This would definitely put an end to those "what do you want to do?" arguments between my girls. Anyways, on to the main two things for my entry... My dashboard confession is this; my husband says that I am very anal retentive...at EVERY gas or potty stop I have to clean the car, open up the trunk and find new coloring books, colors, toys or what have you to keep my kids entertained untill the next stop (which sometimes could be about 4 hours). If we decide to eat it's a new stopping point because I don't like the old smell of food lingering in my car after the food is all eaten. It makes for an easier trip. I know it's probably horrible, but I can't help it. Now for what I think will keep them entertained on our next adventure on the road: eeboo lacing cards "Things that go" and eeboo lacing cards "Friendly bugs". This is a great contest...I hope my entry stands out and I win!!!!Posted by: Barbara Baker | June 1, 2008 3:52 PM
Eating and drinking in the car is allowed only on trips! The Safe Sippy from the website would make me more comfortable about our young grandson's drink in the car.Posted by: Betty Nations | June 1, 2008 4:27 PM
my daughter would love the Haba Triola Rattle one thing I let slide on car rides are food wrappers and crumbs on the seats and floors I figure I can clean it up when we stop somewhere why worry about it when I am drivingPosted by: nicole barr | June 1, 2008 4:51 PM
I just love the French Bull Monster Plates! My dashboard confession is allowing my kids to travel in their pajamas, even if we're traveling during the day. And yes, if we stop at a restaurant, they walk right in wearing their PJs. They LOVE it.Posted by: Gina Stratos | June 1, 2008 5:48 PM
Definitely the no TV rule goes out the window. Nothing kids a kid happy on a 7 hour car ride like the Curious George Movie. The Giddy Giddy hair clips would keep my DD looking cute on the road :)Posted by: Nancy | June 1, 2008 6:32 PM
The lacing cards are fantastic!Posted by: Monique Rizzo | June 1, 2008 6:39 PM
My husband and I once spent an entire 5 hour roadtrip listening to "A Pirates Life for Me!" over and over and over because it was the only thing that would keep our oldest son quiet. The Haba Triola Rattle is fantastic! It's bright and has quite a few little things to explore and twist and pull. Anything's better than the Pirate Song!Posted by: Tabby | June 1, 2008 10:54 PM
confession--drive thru fast food restaurants and eating in the car...lots of napkins and happy kids. Favorite product-Re-Run Messenger Bag-LOVE it. THANKSPosted by: Sharon Jones | June 2, 2008 2:34 AM
We allow the kids sodas and stop for fastfood, which normally we wouldn't. The Little Pocket Snack Pouch would keep the kids entertained-I would put healthy snacks in it.Posted by: Susan C | June 2, 2008 6:59 AM
I allow my son to bring some toys to play with in the car. At the rest stops, he can pick out what he wants to eat and drink. This way, he's happy and he knows that his opinion matters. The ActivePeople Bilibo would keep him entertained at our destination. Thank you for the contest!Posted by: Donna Hunt | June 2, 2008 11:26 PM
French Bull Monster Plates..my confession would be letting my kids eat junk on the road, fast food or lots of juice/soda. And they watch endless amts of spongebob on the dvd player. : /Posted by: Kari Follett | June 3, 2008 2:33 AM
For super long trips, we bring the portable DVD player.Posted by: Jennifer M. | June 3, 2008 11:35 AM
My dashboard confession is traveling during the night, so they hopefully will sleep! I loved the Haba Stockpile House 1, 2, 3.Posted by: Rozetta | June 3, 2008 12:34 PM
lots of toys, activities and snacks when we travel. I like the lacing cardsPosted by: Vicki Wurgler | June 3, 2008 2:42 PM
I love the french bull robot plates! I blogged you on Prize-A_Tron! http://www.prizeatron.comPosted by: Angela | June 3, 2008 3:17 PM
Well, when we go on long trips (mainly to swim meets) we make sure we take the DS (charged!), books, some toys and DVD's. The kids play DS download the most. We always make sure there's some drinks and little snacks in the car. I love the safe sippy cups/bottle and the Emmaline pea blankets, that would keep them warm and cozy if they want to fall asleep. Thanks for the great giveaway.Posted by: Ann | June 3, 2008 4:32 PM
Across country with an extremely loquacious child calls for extreme measures. It's pack up the DS games and DVD games and iPod. Normally, the time restriction on those is very minimal so it's quite a little vacation in a car for him! I love the boys tshirts especially the Little Lubbalo Go Fish!Posted by: mannquin | June 3, 2008 5:38 PM
The built in dvd player was the best $1000 ever spent in our household. Never could have believed how great it could be when I'm traveling by myself with 3 little ones. Of course, bribing with a few Happy Meals help too!! As for picking out a favorite!!! I have to say I love the French Bull Monster plates, but also the fairy elf hangers. Lots of cute things to choose from.Posted by: Jill L | June 3, 2008 5:55 PM
I let my daughter listen to any music she wants during long trips. Usually its something we've heard a million times so we don't give in otherwise. The eeBoo Build a Robot Puzzle and Spinner Game looks like it would keep her occupied for a long time! Thanks.Posted by: Bhavana | June 3, 2008 8:41 PM
When we are on a long drive in the vehicle, I let my daughter eat junkfood, watch SpongeBob on the portable dvd, and have a drink, too. (as long as it's in a spill proof cup lol). I love the Selecta Karussell Push Toy. Thanks so much for the opportunity.Posted by: misty w | June 3, 2008 9:36 PM
Greetings, The first thing we do is work with each of our boys to pack their own personal bag for the trip. Snacks, books, gadgets, drinks, etc. Having their own supply bag helps a lot!!!!! Our van is older and doesn't have a dvd player. My husband rigs one up, but the movies are limited. One a day. We play a lot of car games like the license plate game, sing songs and we travel at night so they will be asleep for the first part of the trip. The "Ellie Bellie Messenger Bags" would be perfect for each child's goodie bag. Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks, CindiPosted by: Cindi | June 3, 2008 10:05 PM
I just got back from a 10 hour car trip with my 18 month old and 4 year old on Sunday. At one point we listened to "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" 8 times in a row because singing Moo Moo Moo was the only thing that kept my youngest from screaming while we were stuck in traffic in Philly.Posted by: Monica | June 3, 2008 10:19 PM
My girls have been saying "Baby poop." At home I make them stop, in the car I pretend I can't hear them French Bull Robot Plates are wonderfulPosted by: Noreen | June 3, 2008 11:59 PM
We load up the car with all kinds of electronic gadgets. Kids seems to really pascified with the DVD video players and their fav moviesPosted by: R Hicks | June 4, 2008 12:05 AM
The BabySoy Chocolate Kimono One-Piece would ensure my baby is well-dressed during my next road trip.Posted by: Kristen H. | June 4, 2008 5:44 AM
Eating candy and watching movies become something that they get a green light on! Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)comPosted by: Bebemiqui | June 4, 2008 10:16 AM
I will give our 15m old iced tea on long trips!!! And soda to our 4.5 year old! It keeps them quiet! Also keeps the 4.5 year old from telling me everytime the baby touches him! It is hard to choose between "French Bull Monster Plates & French Bull Robot Plates" Awersome giveaway! Eileen-Lilly(at)hotmail(dot)comPosted by: Eileen | June 4, 2008 11:09 AM
I make sure to bring lots of snacks and books and fun things to do. If none of that works, there is always the dvd player. I don't let them know about that until it is absolutely necessary. The tea party game looks very fun. We love to have tea parties.Posted by: lace | June 4, 2008 3:19 PM
On trips, we play a Laurie Berkner cd over and over, we eat in the car (even junk food *gasp*) and they get to wear pajamas. Without shoes.Posted by: Mel | June 4, 2008 8:31 PM
Oh my my cousin loves this store so much thanks for the chance to win.Posted by: Stephanie Alexander | June 4, 2008 8:44 PM
I love the babysoy Slip On Pant - Chocolate from their site and we let the soother rule slide...when travelling they can have their soothers as much as they want!Posted by: Andrea | June 4, 2008 9:30 PM
Lace up cards are great. My kids get DVDs (we actually have two different ones set up sometime!) when we travel.Posted by: Julie J Donahue | June 4, 2008 9:33 PM
My daughter HATES being in a car seat. She is nearly 9 months and has never gotten used to it. I have gotten used to her screaming the entire ride. But her doc is an hour away from where we live.I employ all sorts of things to quiet her while daddy is driving: lollipops, letting her chew on my cell phone..all normal rules are out the window on the road!Posted by: Mary Jenkins | June 5, 2008 7:14 AM
Ok.. for my kids on trips. Blankies and pillows the comfier they are, the more likely they are to sleep. Wrap them up and make them comfy! Oh, and I'm addicted to Baby Legs. I'm not sure if anyone knows how much yet, in fact, my daughter is wearing her dark grey and polka dot pair today. I wanna make diaper cakes with them! Love Love Love Baby legs!Posted by: Suzanne B. (Crunchy Green Mom) | June 5, 2008 1:11 PM
Food and drink is where I relax a bit in the car. I don't like the trash and crumbs it generates but realistically, one just cannot travel and expect a child to not eat and drink on the way. I love the lacing cards for the road. I think they would keep the kids entertained for quite a while!Posted by: Elizabeth M. | June 5, 2008 1:44 PM
I don't normally allow gum chewing, but on long trips, I overlook it. They have bubble blowing contests and I have a special bag to discard old guml. My favorite item from the website is the Little Lubbaloo Croc Polo.Posted by: Renee Turner | June 5, 2008 8:20 PM
My son loves the car so really I don't have any rules set in place that he could or would break. I like the personalized capes.Posted by: Lindsay | June 5, 2008 10:34 PM
I would like the babysoy Basic Bodysuit.Posted by: Donna Kozar | June 5, 2008 10:38 PM
I let the kids eat and drink food, even some junk foods on road trips! The Safe Sippys would be great on our next road trip!Posted by: kiyana | June 6, 2008 1:55 AM
sounds like a great read. something to take along on the next road trip.Posted by: Roger Deming | June 6, 2008 6:32 AM
It sounds wierd, but we let cursing go. We let the kids get out their steam by cursing a ridiculous amount. They know that when we stop the car and get out, it's over. It really works. Oh. And the Lola Baby Gnome Dresses would keep my ladies looking great on the road.Posted by: Brooke | June 6, 2008 6:41 AM
love the personalized capes! We use a little DVD in the car so there is probably more movie watching while traveling by car on vacation.Posted by: jessie Peter | June 6, 2008 8:47 AM
i love everything!!!Posted by: Jendi Lather | June 6, 2008 9:51 AM
Ours is the same as what many others have posted- we let them snack in the vehicle ;) I normally do not allow ANY form of food, beverage, or candy, but on those long trips it's the only way to keep peace (and sanity). I really like the Skip Hop City Chic bags from Bediboo. Thanks for the giveaway!Posted by: Brandy | June 6, 2008 4:11 PM
I love the Mommy's Bliss Belly Butter!Posted by: Lily Kwan | June 6, 2008 4:43 PM
We take Leap pads, ipods, puzzle books and lots of snacks. I like the Three Wheels Design Personalized Notecards Jillian.Posted by: Susanne Troop | June 6, 2008 6:22 PM
road trips we take dvd player and make very good use of itPosted by: Frances Watson | June 6, 2008 7:00 PM
love the Mommy's Bliss Belly ButterPosted by: christopher h | June 6, 2008 7:51 PM
We let the chilfren eat snacks and fast food in the car. I like the French Bull RingPosted by: Veronica Garrett | June 6, 2008 8:05 PM
road trips entail, food, ipods, working batteries, drink, fun sun glasses, and magazine sfor those that can read and ride with out throwing up, one cell phone just in case.....Posted by: barb wild | June 6, 2008 8:13 PM
The boys polo tee would keep them well dressed. My kids are 29, 27, 23 and amost 17. This would be for a grandson. I am ashamed to say when our kids were young we would take a conversiion van across the country and the kids were not in car seats unless we were in traffic but rolling all over the bed in back. I could never imagine that these days. Rules are enforced nowPosted by: Rosanne Morrison | June 6, 2008 10:34 PM
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