2019 Chevy Traverse AWD Premier: 3rd Row Seat Space, Gas Tank Release, Opening the Trunk… Plus, Hidden Cargo Space!

For the past week, I have had the awesome opportunity to drive the 2019 Chevy Traverse AWD Premier. As a daddy blogger, there are particular questions I like to find answers to when I drive a new vehicle; as I have found them to be relevant here on my blog as well as its related YouTube channel.

First, I like to explore the 3rd row seat space, for an average size American person. (At least, let’s assume I’m average at 5′ 9″ and 170 pounds.)

Check out this video, where I do a quick demonstration of me sitting in the 3rd row seat. I was impressed with how much clearance I had above my head. With most other vehicles with a 3rd row seat, my head grazes the ceiling, but not in the 2019 Chevy Traverse.

Next, I like to show where to find the gas tank release; as it can be stressful when you’re already at the gas pump but don’t know how to get to the tank. In the new Traverse, it’s this simple:

Just press the gas tank door with your finger. It’s really easy.

And lastly, especially in an SUV, I like to point out how to open the trunk door. While there is a release button near the steering wheel, I found that it was more practically for me just to “double click” the button on the key remote. (Then just press the close button on the trunk door itself for it to automatically close.)

I particularly appreciated the hidden cargo space in the trunk. I was able to store so much in there on my family’s recent road trip to Destin, Florida; from the Nashville area.

Thanks for checking out my blog today on the 2019 Chevy Traverse. I am confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

-Nick Shell of Family Friendly Daddy Blog

Should You Buy Electric Cars for Kids: Considerations Before Buying One 

Are you struggling with your Christmas or birthday gift shopping for your kids? Have you taken a look at those electric cars in toy stores? Well, they are an excellent gift, and it’ll be terrifically fun for kids to play with them.

Typically, these electric cars are designed for kids ten years old and below. If you’re seriously thinking about giving your child an electric car, here are things to consider and look out for.

  1. Maximum Rider Weight 

Every electric car has a maximum rider weight indicated in their specifications. You may want to purchase electric cars for kids with some leeway for the weight, not exactly the same as the current weight range of your child. Children grow quickly, and you’d want to get something that your child will enjoy using for a long time. Hence, it’s recommended that you get an electric car with a higher maximum rider weight figure for your child.

  1. Parental Remote Control

Another useful feature to look out for is the parental remote control. For newer models, electric cars feature a parental remote control that allows adults to take control of the electric cars. This feature is specially built for those youngsters who are not as well coordinated as the older ones.

The parental remote control allows the usual forward and reverse gears with steering capabilities. Once the kids are able to drive and control their own electric cars, parents can stop using the parental remote control.

  1. Charging and Running Times

Similar to cell phones or laptops, electric cars for kids also have charging and running times that you may want to check. Some less pricey models have small batteries, which means they can only be used for a short time and they need to be charged again. You may want to get an electric toy car with bigger batteries, so your child can have uninterrupted play times. As expected, longer running times may mean longer charging times and a higher price tag.

  1. Safety

Of course, it is very important that your child remains safe while he rides his electric toy car. Here are some of the things you should check in a toy car:

  • Safety belts
  • Functional breaks
  • Material and build
  • Customer reviews

Generally, once these toy electric cars are in general toy stores, they are practically safe. But, it would not hurt to do a little more research on the brand reputation and ask friends or family about their experience with the brand just to make sure.

  1. Price Points

This goes without saying. Consider the price of the electric toy car before purchasing it. Here’s what you can do:

  • Look at the specifications and compare different kinds of cars before you make that purchase, especially when you are on a budget. Some electric cars have a higher price tag but provide fewer specifications. There may also be specifications in the toy car that your child wouldn’t need, and you can save some money by buying a more affordable one with fewer specifications but nevertheless works just as fine.
  • Explore a bunch of toy stores, preferably with your spouse, to make a better decision on which ones to purchase.
  • Make sure that the electric car you are buying includes a warranty from the manufacturer.

An electric toy car is definitely an extravagant gift for your child, and as such you want to make a sound buying decision to get your money’s worth. Take note of the considerations above when gift shopping for an electric toy car so you can give the most exciting and memorable gift that your child truly deserves.

  

Photos: Shutterstock

Father and Son Road Trip to Target to Buy Board Games for Thanksgiving in a 2019 Chevy Traverse

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, my wife suggested we pick up the classic board game Monopoly for when we visit my side of the family in Alabama. That gave me the green light to carry out my own related agenda: to also buy the classic game Crossfire, from my own childhood.

Speaking of agendas, my son had one of his own, as well. He still had a few bucks leftover from his birthday, on a gift card to Target that he was eager to spend.

So he and I hopped in the 2019 Chevy Traverse that our family still has from our trip to Destin, FL. (More on that in the days to come…) Exactly 3.8 miles later, we had arrived.

I couldn’t have known this, but it just so happened that Target had just started a special 20% sale on family board games.

I feel really good about this. My wife’s idea was spot on.

Classic board games are a great way to unplug for the holidays while the family is together.

It’s easy to forget how great it is to break out some board games after the meal and have some mandatory fun.

My son ended going with a Squish-Dee-Lish. It’s funny how big he is into those “don’t know what you’ve got until you’ve opened it” toys.

I think it ended up being a sleep-deprived alien jet pilot?

Once we got home, I admit it took my longer than it should have to assemble Crossfire while my wife finished preparing dinner.

To my surprise, my daughter actually seemed more into the game than my son.

Good call, though. Stock up on board games for Thanksgiving, especially while they’re on sale this week at Target!

Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 8th Birthday

8 years old today!

Dear Jack,

There’s a page in the children’s book Love You Forever where it shows the son in his teenage years, as he’s dancing around knocking things over, while a slice of pizza lies there on the floor.

Yes, you’re still 5 years away from being a teenager, but here lately, I have been telling Mommy how I feel like we’re catching glimpses of you as a teenager already.

Something that clearly defines you is your confidence. You know what you’re good at and you also know what your weaknesses are.

And therefore, you base your identity off of that.

I am so proud to see that in you.

You clearly have a mind of your own. That’s something I value greatly.

And I am here to help you become more and more of who you are.

Happy 8th Birthday!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 7th Birthday

Dear Holly: You Now Only Sleep in Your Mermaid Tail Blanket

2 and a half years.

Dear Holly,

The new norm now is that while Mommy is finishing up the dishes downstairs after dinner, I walk you upstairs and give you your bath.

Mommy steps in to get you dressed and read you a story, but then it’s back to me to read you a 2nd story and then actually put you to bed.

For the past couple of weeks now, you have insisted on crawling into your mermaid tale blanket that Aunt Jenny got for you last Christmas.

It’s basically a sleeping bag- and not that I have any issues at this point getting you to agree to go to sleep, but the mermaid tale blanket definitely serves as extra assurance.

Needless to say, the mermaid tale blanket is now on the “must pack” list for all upcoming overnight road trips.

 

Love,

Daddy