Car journey noise/fighting

[Pear21]

Any suggestions on how to deal with the ridiculous noise level and fighting in the car please?

My older children will generally behave once ‘reminded’. But throw a toddler in to the mix as well and every car journey becomes a nightmare.

Sometimes it’s fighting. But usually it’s the youngest (age 3) deliberating being annoying - making repetitive noises really loudly. Shouting or singing over the older kids. (Cue older kids getting louder and louder).

Today the youngest child dropped a toy, the middle child tried to pick it up for her, the youngest grabbed her hair and hit her. Middle child and youngest now screaming at each other. Meanwhile eldest child chatting (louder and louder) asking me to help with maths sums. All whilst going round a complicated roundabout.

Im at my wits end!!

Things I’ve tried -

telling them off.

Pulling over (sometimes works for 5 mins before starting again),

giving snacks and drinks if the journey is a bit longer (or straight after school etc) - but the noise will start within 5 mins of finishing these.

Trying to engage them in a game such as I spy

Northing really works. Though they will (sometimes) behave if they’ve got a friend in the car with them too.

I think it’s mostly the 3 year old, who takes absolutely no notice and delights in winding up the other kids. Interestingly, she’s absolutely fine in the car when she’s on her own.

They don’t do this for their Dad. I feel like such a failure and ever so slightly demented.

Anyone help please??

7 seater car.
Toddler in the back alone.
Turn radio up.
Ime.

Nice idea but can’t afford a new car unfortunately. Already got one child in the front and two in the back (or three in the back if they have a friend)

Audiobooks are the only thing that stop my two squabbling in the car. When we discovered them it was like a miracle.

I am not sure how effective this is for a 3 yr old though and it does sound like the 3yo is the main issue. Maybe try starting with some a 3 yr old would like (Julia Donaldson etc) and then work up to slightly older books ?

If you have a library app you can download free audiobooks. I download them on my phone and either play through the car speakers using bluetooth or Usb connection or I just turn the phone volume right up.

Audiobooks? I used to nanny for a couple of children who drove me absolutely bonkers in the car til I started playing audiobooks. I know 3 is quite little but you can get stories (Percy the Park Keeper, Mog, Paddington, Winnie-The-Pooh, Kipper etc) that are suitable for her but the others will hopefully tolerate.

Thanks will try audiobooks today