Possible crazy idea for kids in the back of the car

[LysistrataVickers]

We're going on a bit of a road trip in 3 weeks and I'm quietly dreading the squabbling in the car from my two DSs (4 and 7). They can't watch tablets as it makes them car sick so tend to just wind each other up. They're happy to listen to audiobooks or music.

I have had an idea and would like some opinions as to whether you think it's a bit crazy. I'm not asking DH because he will think I'm crazy and if I go ahead and do it, I won't tell him what it is until I've finished it.

I have been looking up car back seat dividers of which there are a few but only in the US and Aus that I can find and are expensive.

So, I have ordered a long block of thick upholstery foam and am going to make a cotton cover for it and a slit for a seat belt to go through (similar to picture but taller) to essentially stop DSs from seeing each other and hope it'll keep them quieter. I know they will still be able to lob insults but they can't reach each other or pull faces which causes most of the problems.

I'm sure I'm going to get lots of replies about "just parent your children" and believe me we are trying but we have a lot going on at the moment which has made life difficult and I'd just like to make life a bit easier and enjoy my holiday.

Any opinions? Please be gentle, I'm a bit mentally delicate currently!!

I think that's hilarious and reminds me of horse blinkers
Seriously though, anything that makes car journeys with kids easier is a win. Go for it.

I think it's a great idea.

Bloody good idea. I hope it works.

Do it, car journeys can be awful, anything that helps is a good idea in my book.

Are you sure it won't affect the seat belt operation?

My only worry would be if the wee blighters would find a way to weaponise it to annoy their sibling. Shoving it their way or kicking round it or pulling it towards them and saying it's theirs. There is no end to the inventiveness of the squabble IME.

Amazing. Make 50 of them and get on Etsy. I’d buy one!

Sounds genius to me.

We basically did the same with luggage in a 7 seater, so one in the very back. Two in the middle row with bags between them.

Your idea is probably far safer!

I really want to do the smarties thing (but we have no long journeys planned) when each DC has a tube of smarties but you throw one out of the window each time they misbehave. They get what’s left at the end.

Or the fake journey when you warn them if they misbehave you’ll turn around and go home. Which of course you do.

Of course they don’t know it’s the day before you’ve booked the accommodation. Then try again on Day 2 (actually Day 1).

Why not just put one one in the front and you sit in the back

Seems fair.

I would have definitely found it useful when mine were small. I found it really good once we had 3 having an extra row of seats when we bought an Espace. Putting one of the older two in the third row made all the difference.

Definitely go for it. We used to do the same with the bedding we took on camping trips. Or the family dog.!

Great idea

If it works for you, it's a great idea.

Its not big enough, extend it to the floor!

I've considered the exact same thing -. Mine are the same ages too and squabble like cat and dog

Genius !!

Surely you should eat the smarties. They shouldn't go to waste!

I'm gobsmacked at the smarties idea. Throwing good chocolate out the window...?? I think Mum gets to eat them to help her deal with the behaviour....

Brilliant idea.
I did this of sorts with pillows on a recent 5 hour drive with my two.

@DanteThunderstone

My only worry would be if the wee blighters would find a way to weaponise it to annoy their sibling. Shoving it their way or kicking round it or pulling it towards them and saying it's theirs. There is no end to the inventiveness of the squabble IME.

I would worry about this too. If it’s just foam it will be quite easy to shove in one direction. It might even end up blocking your rear view which would be really dangerous.

Do it, but have a trial run somewhere first?

Thanks all! I'll definitely make sure it's secure and that they can't move it. Will also make a small wall of luggage in the middle footwell

I'm grateful for all the positive and helpful responses. I'll get cracking this week and let you know how I get on 😳

And all chocolate will be mine

Please no one do the smarties. Travelling at speed like that, they can damage the windscreen of the car behind.

@LivingInABuildingSite

We basically did the same with luggage in a 7 seater, so one in the very back. Two in the middle row with bags between them.

Your idea is probably far safer!

I really want to do the smarties thing (but we have no long journeys planned) when each DC has a tube of smarties but you throw one out of the window each time they misbehave. They get what’s left at the end.

Or the fake journey when you warn them if they misbehave you’ll turn around and go home. Which of course you do.

Of course they don’t know it’s the day before you’ve booked the accommodation. Then try again on Day 2 (actually Day 1).

Let me get this right, you throw plastic, cardboard & chocolate out the window if the kids don't behave?

What's the punishment for littering?

Just tell them the Smarties become yours and eat them.

Good grief. Littering. Excellent example.

Great idea OP. Like other posters I've made use of the 3 rows of seats in my Galaxy with one child per row once the oldest was big enough to go in the front. Thankfully they've grown out of it now and car journeys can actually be quite pleasant.