Do any of you drive differently when your kids are riding with you?

Today I drove 20 minutes to my hair salon and back without the kids, and I was noticing how I drive differently without the kids.

I remember the first time I drove after my first child was born.  I was like a little old lady; and so afraid that someone would crash into me.

I’ve read an article in a baby magazine that was telling mothers to be especially careful when driving because mothers have a tendency to help/talk to the kids and not pay as much attention to the road.  I know what they mean, but I’ve established that when Mommy’s driving she can not give out snacks or drinks, tie shoes, or read a book.  Therefore I tend to be more cautious when the kids are in the car.

So I was zipping right along, passing cars, and -shh- talking on my cell phone today when it occured to me that, “Hey I don’t drive like this when I’m driving with children.”

As a rider I’ve done just about everything in the car, with or without kids, including what felt like standing on my head.  Why do they always want the one toy that’s just out of reach under the seat?

I’d like to think I’m a good rider – somewhat oblivious, but a good rider.  I can read Mapquest to my husband and help him find things when necessary; but I usually don’t pay much attention to directions.  I’m sure that my husband is glad I have a cell phone so I can call him whenever I’m lost or unsure [which is more often the case]. 

My husband, on the other hand, is a terrible rider.  He can’t sleep or read in a car.  I can count on one hand – probably half a hand – the times he rode in our car with me driving in the last year.  He will ride with his Dad or another adult man, but that’s out of politeness; if they offer – he drives.

So he drives while I threaten the kids, sing, change music, pass out food, change DVD’s, wipe noses, stop hair pulling, pick up blankets, dig for toys, tell stories, do finger rhymes, explain what we’re passing, answer 3 million questions, and say “not far now.”