9 life lessons from a multigenerational road trip in the Midwest


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My mom, or Mema as we all call her, is 82 years old and lives alone about two hours from my house. She is quite introverted and stays home most of the time tending her garden, playing solitaire and watching Wheel of Fortune. I had decided that a road trip in central Kansas would be the perfect opportunity for a multigenerational road trip to include it with my grandson. Making travel memories with the two of them is very important to me. To my amazement, neither my mother nor I had ever been to Kansas. This is another state that we can cross off our travel card.

So here we are – a middle-aged woman (me), my elderly mother and her 11-year-old great-grandson going on a six-hour, multi-generational one-way road trip from Texas to Kansas. I knew spending three generations in a car for so long could spark controversy, so planning was key. Although we had a great time, I finally learned some valuable lessons.

We were accommodated throughout our Kansas road trip. All opinions are mine.

1. Six days on the road was one too long

We started on a Tuesday and by Saturday we had visited four towns in central Kansas: Hesston, Lindsborg, McPherson and Great Bend. It took us from hotel to hotel three times. While this was an opportunity to write a trip for me, it was also a planned trip for all of us. Each destination had things to do and see, and we will not forget the hospitality and friendliness of each city. But it still took too long.

Saturday night, not only my grandson but my mother were ready to go home. My mom even suggested we go that night and asked if I was ready to drive at night. I think she was missing her precious dog, Lily. Six days on the road was too much for us. So the next time I plan a family road trip, it will be at least a day shorter.

Kim Crescent

2. A blanket for the car trip is a must.

My mom knows I love my cold house, and the interior of the car is no different. She made her list of what to bring, and a blanket and sweater were at the top of her list. She drove to my house with her suitcase ready to go, but that damn blanket and sweater draped over her shoulders was like she was trying to tell me something. This is a friendly reminder that older people can get cold more often than most.

3. Drive a car with all the latest technology

Seriously, if your car doesn’t have outlets and outlets for electronics, consider renting one that does. Gaming devices, a phone, and headphones are what kept my grandson completely occupied and satisfied in the backseat. My motto on a road trip is to let the child play with his electronic devices, but when we reach our destination, he has to put them away. Gone are the days of playing ABC game and Slug Bug in the car like you and I once did on family trips.

Author, his mother and grandson.
Kim Crescent

4. Take “Together” bathroom breaks

Before I went on a trip, I told them that when we need to go wee, we all go. It’s not my grandson I had to worry about, it’s my mom! She can certainly be stubborn at times. If she doesn’t have to go, she won’t, but that only means I have to stop again just for her. We’ve been through this a couple of times, but it worked out pretty well on this trip I have to say.

5. I had to be patient and attentive (more than I expected)

It’s hard to believe that our parents are getting old. I found myself waiting for my mom to cross the road, finish her meal, and make such decisions that I had to slow down. Honestly, I had a real learning moment realizing that she is not the mom who took care of me once, but that I am the girl who now takes care of her. Thinking about this makes me cry. I slowed down the rest of the way.

The author and his mother exhibit the paintings they created.
Kim Crescent

6. Let each person choose their own activities.

We pretty much had an itinerary for this trip, but found I had to be a little flexible when it came to my grandson. The three of us were signed up for a canvas painting activity that took place at an outdoor festival in Great Bend. But when we got there I saw a bouncy house in one corner, a wading pool in another and so many other kid friendly activities that I knew my grandson wouldn’t want to sit there and paint. So after seeing him struggle to paint his canvas, I told him to go play and have fun. In any other situation, he would have loved to sit there and paint because he loves that sort of thing. Fortunately, he is outgoing and makes friends quickly. He was off to make new friends, play and jump in no time. He even came back once or twice to check with me. I made the right decision there.

7. Take breaks when you can.

We visited Lindsborg, Kansas also known as Little Sweden for a day and a half and found the town to be calm, friendly and safe. So when we were given an activity sheet to find the Swedish decorated Dala Christmas horses in town, I let my grandson wander the main street alone to look for them while mum and I were away. sitting on a bench. He loved his freedom, and we loved resting our feet!

The author's mother posing next to a mural in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Kim Crescent

8. Photo memories are for everyone

A learning moment for me was when I realized that my mom wanted to be silly and have her picture taken as much as I wanted to take pictures of my grandson. She’s old, but not dead, she reminded me several times. My mom has a lot more life in her than I sometimes think. After that my camera filled with all kinds of photos – of her and my grandson.

Author posting next to a Great Bend Kansas sign.
Kim Crescent

9. Don’t forget to have fun

Being the one responsible for making sure everything went smoothly and on time, I sometimes forgot to have fun. Do not do that. Make sure you make time for yourself, and don’t forget to have someone take a photo of you.

While it is good to have a routine built into our daily life at home, traveling is one thing that gives us the opportunity to get out and experience the world. So take your parents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles and explore the world.

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