The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

"WEEKEND STAR" The call of the open road is appealing to many. And with upcoming holidays and opportunities to view the changing foliage across the country, a road trip can be a fun adven- ture for the family. Many parents are apprehen- sive, however, to bring young children on a road trip fearing that the trav- - eling will be too much to bear. If crying babies, bored toddlers and stub- born adolescents is not what you had "in mind when you set out on a fun, old-fashioned family trip in the car, take a few steps to make the process easi- er. 4. Stop for a break every 112 to 2 hours and let your child release stored energy by running around. Stop at rest areas where there will be room for your child to have fun -_ restaurants 'may not The following co mon allow . sense tips" 'can kee finicky child busy while you concentrate on the road ahead. Adjust these suggestions to fit your lifestyle and the prefer- ences of your children. Surviving Road Trips I. Travel late at night or very early in the morning while children are still sleeping. Hope that your child will remain asleep. 2. Bring a variety of snacks for children to munch on -- this usually keeps them quiet. Try and bring along non- messy snacks (ie. juice boxes, crackers, rice cakes, cereals, cheese, cut up fruit, pretzel sticks, sliced grapes, or raisins). Spread a large towel over the entire back seat to catch thrown cookies/crackers/bottles. 3. Bring toys that your child has not seen before -- something that will catch their eye. Avoid toys that make noise that would irritate' the driver -- nothing with. batteries or flashing lights. Another toy suggestion is a roll of clear tape that's not too sticky. Children can play with it for hours. (more than 6 hours) stop and stay the night some- where with a swimming pool and playground that your child would enjoy. 6. If possible, sit beside your child in the vehicle. 7. Take extra bags for dirty diapers because there there may be no other place to put them. Plan on how to change the diaper in the 'car if there is no place convenient to. do so. Bring some water to clean messes. Change diapers often because sitting on a wet diaper for long periods increases the chance for a diaper rash. A good barrier cream can help, too. 8. Point out_ passing vehicles or bridges to keep children focused on something. 9. Sing songs -- finger play songs are a big hit with some (ie. Itsy Bitsy Spider). 10. Bring books. Small, easy-to-handle ones that they haven't seen before will keep them interest- ed. FF IR - AT 11. Pack' stuffed animals and puppets. 12. Use car shades to keep the sun out of the eyes. Sun glasses work too if your child will wear them. Take sun screen and a hat. 13. Pack a pain reliever for yourself just in case of sudden headaches. 14. If your car has a cas- sette or CD player, pack familiar music you know your child enjoys. 15. Remember to smile and have a good time. If you begin the trip in a bad mood, your likely to remain in one. 16. Avoid traveling during rush hour so you don't get "stuck" in traffic. 17. For a toddler, take a potty just in case the next rest stop is too far away. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2000 - 21