1. They keep the children occupied with something to do other than to tease and torment each other while in the car.



2. Car DVD systems give the back seat occupants something to view other than the back of someone's head and scenery speeding by on the side. To children it is more entertaining than beautiful scenery.

3. DVDs cut down on car sickness for some reason. Maybe it is because they are concentrating on something instead of the world rushing by.

4. It keeps the drivers attention up front instead of who is doing to whom in the back seat. This is essential as we all know.

5. The car is quieter (if you use ear buds) and at the end of a long day this makes the driver and other occupants less tired, nervous and cranky.

6. A conversation can be taking place between the adults while the children have ears buds in their ears and are being entertained.

7. If the electricity in the house goes out then the car video could be a source of entertainment for an otherwise long dark evening.

8. Wrecks are less likely to happen due to flying objects from the fighting going on in the back seat.

9. On a camping trip when the mosquitoes invade your camp site it could be used as a safe haven for a couple of hours instead of sitting around the campfire.

10. The words ?Are we there yet? is heard much less in that whinny irritating voice which is one great blessing.

On the other hand there are some negatives which can and need to be avoided with just a little care.

1. Car video players can be watches by all occupants of a car, except the driver. ---DUH

2. Ear buds are a must especially if each child has their own DVD players; otherwise, fights occur about volume adjustments. Buy a variety of sizes just in case, and always carry spares.

3. Be sure you buy the whole component with the DVD include, not just the monitor. A blank monitor makes for boring viewing. Get an all-in-one DVD player with video cassette player, DVD player, speakers and screen.

4. One DVD disc will not do. You need to bring a variety of discs.

5. Car entertainment systems can be attractive to thieves. Install an alarm or buy a removable one.

6. Older cars may not have an electrical system to handle the demands of a DVD system.---Try a portable one.

7. In dash units usually won't play unless you are parked. -----Thank goodness

When you decide to buy a car video system remember that you will be cheating your child out of some of your most memorable moments of traveling in the back seat for three days going to Grandma's house. Your child's vocabulary will probably not include the repeated phrase, ?Are we there yet?? How unfortunate.