Taking your teens on a road trip?

Are you dreading a long drive with an angsty teen this spring break? Sometimes driving with older children can take the wind out of your sails, so to speak. Even though teens are nearly adults, they can sometimes be as difficult as toddlers when hitting the road and, because of that, many of the same rules apply for driving with teens as with young children. A few tips and tricks:

Plan ahead. Make sure to pack and charge laptops, chargers, Kindles, iPads and cameras. Also discuss your expectations for the trip with your teen. Tell them what the plan is and how you expect them to behave. Try to develop trust and camaraderie with your teen by involving them in the agenda for the trip.

Create a Road Trip Photo Challenge
Give your teens a creative outlet by turning the trip into a photo challenge. Create a list of quirky things to capture along the way—like unique road signs, funny car selfies, or scenic landmarks. It keeps them entertained, encourages them to appreciate the journey, and they’ll have plenty of content to share with friends when you arrive!

Let Them Curate the Road Trip Playlist 🎶
Give your teen the aux cord—or at least a say in the music. Let them create a road trip playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, mixing their favorite songs with a few family-friendly picks. Music gives them a sense of control and makes the drive feel more personal and fun.

Download Audiobooks or Podcasts
Teens love to stay entertained, and audiobooks or podcasts can be a great way to keep them engaged on long drives. Choose a series or topic that matches their interests—whether it’s a mystery novel, true crime, or pop culture discussions. They can listen solo with headphones or make it a family event by playing it over the car’s speakers.