7 Reasons Kids Get Anxious During Car Rides and What to Do About It

We’ve all seen how life with a child can be unpredictable. One moment, they’re laughing, the next thing we know, they’re crying. One common situation where this sudden outburst happens is when our children become anxious during car rides. 

It’s supposed to be easy – a quick trip to the grocery store or an enjoyable outing to the park. This simple trip, however, may become stressful for some children. From the fear of unfamiliar routes to the discomfort of motion sickness, we’ll cover it all in simple terms, so read on!

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Car Sickness

Car sickness is a common reason kids may fear car rides. The constant movement can make them feel dizzy and nauseous. If your child often feels sick during car rides, addressing this issue with a healthcare professional who can provide helpful advice is important.

In the meantime, try to make the ride as smooth as possible. Avoid sudden stops or turns and ensure your child has a clear view of the front windshield, which can sometimes help with motion sickness. Also, consider investing in a comfortable car seat like the Isofix Car Seat from Maxi-Cosi to help keep your child stable during the ride.

Fear of the Unknown

Children thrive on routine and predictability. When we break that routine, like changing the route for our car ride, it might cause them to feel anxious. They may worry about where we’re going or if we’ll get lost. To help ease this fear, try to keep your routes consistent or prepare them ahead of time if you need to take a new route.

You should tell them where you’re heading and what they can expect there. This will make them feel more secure and less worried about the unknown.

Fear of Accidents

Children can easily pick up on adults’ fears and anxieties. If they’ve heard adults talking about car accidents or seen one on television, they might start to worry about the possibility of an accident during their car rides.

To handle this, reassure them about safety measures, like seatbelts and child safety seats. However, avoid talking about car accidents in their presence and try to keep the conversation light and cheerful.

Claustrophobia

Some kids might feel trapped or claustrophobic in a moving vehicle. The confined space, inability to move around freely, and having to stay buckled in can trigger anxiety.

To help them cope, allow them to have a comfort object, like a favourite toy, during the journey. Also, regular breaks during long journeys can allow them to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air.

Separation Anxiety

For some children, being away from home or their safe space can bring on anxiety. This is especially true if they associate car rides with visits to places they dislike, such as the dentist or doctor’s office.

To combat this, associate car rides with positive destinations, like the park, a friend’s house, or their favourite restaurant. Over time, they’ll learn that not all car rides lead to unpleasant places.

Lack of Control

Being strapped into a car seat without the ability to control where they’re going can make kids feel anxious. They must rely entirely on the driver, which can be scary for a young child.

One way to help is by giving them a sense of control. Let them choose music for the ride, decide which toy to bring along, or pick a snack for the journey. This can help them feel more involved and less anxious.

Sensory Overload

The sounds of traffic, the car’s vibration, and the changing scenery whizzing past can overwhelm a child’s senses and cause anxiety. This is particularly true for children who are more sensitive to sensory input.

Try to create a calming environment in the car. Play soft music and encourage them to look at a book or play with a quiet toy. These strategies can help distract them from the overwhelming sensory input.

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons why children might feel anxious during car rides. Whether it’s motion sickness, fear of the unknown, separation anxiety, or merely boredom, these factors can make car journeys an anxious experience for some children. Understanding these can help us create a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for our little ones. So, let’s turn those stressful car rides into opportunities for bonding, learning, and creating beautiful memories together.