How to Grab A Minute to Yourself this Spring Break

I went to the library today to check out a couple of books that have been on my reading list for some time.  I thought my Spring Break vacation would be a good excuse to tackle a longer one.  But, then reality set in.  Who I am kidding?

Reading a book while traveling with small children is nearly impossible.  We, like most parents, feel as though our goal is to just  get through the flights/layovers/car trips in one piece (and as with as many kids as we came with!)

The dream of quietly escaping into my novel may come in spurts of four minutes at a time when the kids are occupied and my two-year -old is not completely annoying the poor soul in front of her seat.  So, here are some useful recommendations from other Patch moms on how they keep their children entertained:

• Buy some suckers.  They are a great treat for little ones that keep their attention longer and the organic ones available at Acacia Organics in town are really tasty.
• Buy some sticker books.  Kids of all ages like them and you don't have a million little pieces to pick up all over the place.
• Bring games specifically designed for the car or airplane like travel bingo, connect four and checkers.
• Get new markers, crayons and coloring books.
• Old-school games like mad-libs and hangman only require pen and paper.
• If all else fails, there is always the stand-by of "I Spy"!  

Safe & happy travels to everyone.