Car
sickness (or motion sickness) is a common problem among 3-12 yr-olds.
It happens when the body, inner ear and eyes experience motion in different
ways and send conflicting messages to the brain. This usually results
in feelings of nausea, dizziness or vomiting.
Car sickness can be hereditary but most children
will outgrow it by the time they reach their teens.
Queasy rider? If you know your children suffer from car
sickness, advance planning can reduce the possibility of them feeling
unwell.
Try travelling at night or early in the morning
when children are more likely to sleep through the journey.
Give children a light snack such as crackers,
fruit or carrot sticks and avoid a big meal beforehand or fried snacks.
Keep car windows open so that fresh air is
constantly circulating.
Don't smoke in the car. Avoid wearing heavy
perfume or aftershave, or anything else with a pungent smell.
Pack items which will distract your child
from feeling unwell: a favourite game, a new toy or a special treat
she wouldn't get at home.
Keep children occupied. Tell them stories,
talk to them about things they are interested in or have been studying
lately.
If children are small, make sure you boost
the height of their chair so that they can see out of the front window
and keep their mind on other things.
If children start to feel uncomfortable, ask
them to pick out a landmark on the horizon and keep watching the spot.
Looking into the distance should send a message to the brain that he
or she is moving and can help ease any feelings of nausea.
Above all, make sure children do not read
in the car as this will only increase car sickness. Focussing on a page
while moving sends the mixed messages to the brain which cause motion
sickness. If a child is keen to read, buy them book audiotapes instead.
