Need help o­n the road?

Are you looking for the trade secret to keep the peace o­n the highway and along country and suburban roads? Maybe some of these ideas will help you out.

Hand puppets can get the creative juices flowing, as can a supply of colorful, inexpensive thread for the friendship bracelet fans in your house. Keep a plastic box stocked with thread in the car.

A favorite solution for short and long rides: books o­n tape. You don't have to purchase them; they're available for rent at the library and video store. The kids' teachers will gladly give recommendations. The kids sometimes get so engrossed in the story, they want to keep driving, and it doesn't hurt that the parents enjoy the stories, too!

The next time the kids are alternately bickering and complaining they're bored in the car, toss a box of colorful Band-Aids into the back seat. The Band-Aids will keep them busy and at least they won't make a sticky-gooey mess.

Unfortunately, strategies vary, not o­nly with children's ages, but with their moods that day as well. O­ne thing remains constant: whether it's around town, an hour ride to grandma's house or a six-hour drive, most kids, no matter what their ages, don't like being cooped up in car seats and seat belts for too long.

There's o­ne more way to chase the back-seat blues: start a conversation with the kids.  It is the o­ne place in the world where you can do a lot of talking. It is found time.