Dear Mr. Manners....

Dear Mr. Manners,
Is it crazy of us to plan a family trip with our 4 young children (0, 4, 7, and 9) this summer? (It would be about a 6~8 hour drive one way.)
I just have this feeling of dread whenever I think about it.
Sincerely,
Second Thoughts in Ohio

Dear Seconds,
No, of course you are not crazy to plan such a trip, as long as you don’t actually go on the trip.
But if for some reason insanity strikes and you do go through with this hare-brained scheme, please be assured that your feeling of dread will quickly be replaced by a nice nervous tic. It should go away in a couple months.
You will also swear off taking your kids on such motoring vacations. (This staunch resolution is usually preceded by some swearing AT your kids.)
You will also develop a hair-trigger temper.
Finally, please remember that you cannot send someone to their room when you are all stuck together in a vehicle.
Sincerely,
Mr. Manners
PS: Don’t worry about reserving a hotel for the last night. You will definitely be ‘driven’ back home by then.