Children 'driving parents mad'

With the prospect of a long summer holiday from school, it seems many parents are dreading getting into the car with their offspring for long trips.

According to a survey carried out by car insurance provider Admiral, 73 per cent of parents reported having trouble with their kids getting bored, while 30 per cent said fights had broken out among their children in the car.

Worryingly, two per cent reported their children's behaviour to have been so bad on the move that it almost caused an accident.

Dr Claire Halsey, a clinical psychologist, said parents can employ some measures to make for a happier, safer trip.

"Every parent wants the drive to be a pleasant start to the summer break. Increase the chance of a peaceful ride by organising plenty to entertain, schedule lots of breaks in the journey and agree a clear set of rules and rewards for good behaviour," she commented.

Dr Halsey added that, if the worst comes to the worst and discipline is needed, parents should find a safe place to pull over, rather than administering it on the go.

A recent article in the Guardian recommended using technology to keep children happy in the car, with back-seat DVD systems and portable CD players suggested as possible peace-keeping devices.