As we were planning our car ride from Florida to New York, I searched for some busy work for our 2 kids. At the time they were 10 (a boy) and 7 (a girl), and not looking forward to the 23 hour trip. Before we left, I went to the bank and came back with 2 rolls of quarters -- one for each child. Upon leaving I gave each child their roll of quarters and explained that every time they argued, talked back, had an attitude, or fought, they had to pay me a quarter. Anything they had left at the end of the trip was theirs.

This was one of the best trips we have taken. The 10 year old only gave up 2 quarters the entire week and the 7 year old gave up 3 quarters. They are looking forward to the next trip we take hoping for more quarters!