Half of parents say they have given up trying to take their children on road trips
Nearly half of parents say long road trips ruin family holidays, with 53% swearing off them altogether, according to new research. The survey by design and technology company Shark revealed that the average journey now lasts 3.2 hours, with families typically stopping 2.4 times.
Tackling mess is also a strain with 52% forced to stop to clean up sick – and 66% paying for professional cleaning after a long journey. Other top in-car annoyances including kids arguing in the back and people needing the loo after you’ve only just stopped.
Parenting expert Jo Frost has teamed up with Shark to offer practical advice that helps families maintain calm, tackle chaos and enjoy the journey. “As parents, we often underestimate how quickly a small mess or minor disagreement in the car can escalate into stress for the whole family,” she said.
“Those moments are never just about a spilt drink or a wrong turn, they’re about feeling out of control. The key to calmer travel lies in preparation, empathy, patience and practical tools that help us stay composed when life gets messy. When parents stay grounded, children feel safe”
Lana Sanleandro, global chief marketing officer for Shark, added: “Family car journeys should be about making memories, not battling stress and stains. Our research clearly shows that parents are struggling with the reality of keeping their cars clean and their families happy on the road.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Jo Frost to offer practical solutions and support, ensuring parents feel equipped to handle anything a ‘staincation’ throws their way.”
Jo Frost’s top tips for a stress-free family road trip
Prepare the family before you turn the keySet expectations early. Children manage transitions better when they know what’s coming. Assign each family member a role, from playlist curator to snack helper and build a shared sense of ownership. A calm, organised departure does dramatically lower the risk of major conflict later.
Keep sibling squabbles in checkPre-empt rivalry by defining space boundaries and offering individual activities. Rotate seats on long drives and encourage problem solving rather than blame when tensions rise. Use humour and teamwork to model emotional intelligence on the move. Stay calm, even if the SatNav doesn’t
Adults always set the emotional toneDivide travel roles, one drives, one navigates and remember that a missed turn isn’t a failed mission. When parents communicate with patience and grace, children internalise that same resilience and cooperation, and if you lose your cool, be quick to repair; that lesson is a life one for your children.Reduce sensory overload
Cars are mini ecosystems of sound, motion and emotionBalance out stimulation with calm, alternate between lively playlists and quiet time, keep the temperature steady and schedule stops. Take time to notice emotional triggers early – tiredness and hunger quickly unravel even the best-planned trip.
Embrace the unexpected and the messySpills, tantrums and detours are inevitable. What matters is your response. Pause, breathe and turn every mishap into a teachable moment. Keep practical tools like Shark StainForce within easy reach to instantly erase mess and stress alike.
