dr. James Hind of Nottingham Trent University (UK) has devised an “exact formula” to predict tantrums in the back of a car. Now parents can finally prepare in advance.
T u003d 70 + 0.5E + 15F – 10S – this is the formula.
Based on data from 2000 parents, the scientist concluded that a child starts behaving on average 70 minutes after the start of the journey. The likelihood of a tantrum decreases if the child is entertained (E), After a meal (F), the tantrum is delayed for another 15 minutes and the presence of siblings (S) in the car, on the contrary, speeds up the process with 10 minutes.
The study found that the average child would ask, “Are we nearly there yet?” already after 32 minutes on the road by car and will repeat this at least four times during the journey.
Boredom is the leading cause of backseat tantrums, cited by 68% of parents, followed by driving too long (62%) and hunger (57%).
dr. Hind says snacking is important, but there’s a limit to how much they can help, so there shouldn’t be more than two per hour. Entertainment is the key to success, but even they fail if they travel too long.
Breaks are therefore important to “reset the clock” and prevent tantrums, and to ensure that you do not get tired while driving.
While traveling, the scientist recalls, one must not only make sure that the tires are inflated and that the levels of oil and other liquids are normal, but also that the “levels” of passengers are regularly topped up due to snacks, pit stops and entertainment. .
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