Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist who writes features for such publications as Eating Well, Health, Marie Claire, Parenting, and Redbook. The author of Wien (Warwick Books), a coffee table book about Vienna, Lambeth has been an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University since 2001. When Hochwald's not writing, she's also co-founder of parent P-L-A-Y (www.Parentplay.com), a Tribeca-based events company for families.
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The best way to interact with an 8- to 11-year-old grandchild while driving is to have him or her handle the navigation ... even if you've got a keen sense of direction. Here, a few ways to get them involved.
Mapquest it together
Log on to MapQuest and get directions to your destination. Sit with your grandchild at the computer and plot your trip together, from point A to point B. Then, print out the trip planner and put your grandchild in charge. You’ll love having this backseat driver lead the way!
Shell out a little spending cash
Pretend you’re on a road trip. Even if you’re just visiting a family member in the next town over, or dropping your grandchild off at a sleepover. The distance is never too short to tap into your grandchild’s inner tourist. Give your grandson $10 as soon as you leave the house and tell him he can spend the money on whatever he wants -- a souvenir, postcard, magnet, or key chain -- as long as it's related to the trip.
