TV in the car?

Is it OK to use a DVD player in the car for long drives?

Miriam, from NYC, NY

A: Yes.   I was going to leave it at that, but here is the rationale in case you are wondering.

First argument in favor

: Remember the car trips of yesteryear?  The bonding, license plate games, mom reading aloud from Little House on the Prairie?  Stretching out full length in the back of the station wagon and giggling with your sister, travelling from interesting site to fascinating small town destination?  Me either.

Second argument in favor

: When travelling for hours as a passenger in a vehicle (plane, train or automobile) do you focus on the sights and making interesting conversation with your travelling companions for the entire trip?  For myself, I bring books, work, my phone, a computer to watch movies, snacks and anything else I can think of that I’m looking forward to doing.  This makes travelling pleasant instead of DREAD boring.

Third argument in favor

:  Do you regularly enjoy your children’s company when they are strapped down and bored?  Me either.

Argument against

: “They MISS everything while we are driving.”  I’m not impressed.  Hit “pause” and show them the cool thing you wanted to show them.  Stop the car and stretch your legs.  Unless this is their only access to movies ever, they will also want to get out of their five-or-three-point-restraint torture devices and move around a little.  Or take a ten minute break between each video to talk and play games and read aloud. Whatever you do, if you have access to a DVD player and a library, bring some visual entertainment for any ride over 1 hour.  It will make for happier family-vacation memories. What do you do to make vacation travel go more smoothly?