The research, commissioned by learndirect, a UK provider of numeracy and literacy skills and qualifications, surveyed parents with children aged up to 12, and found that braving the country's roads and motorways with the children causes the most stress for more than one in ten parents (13 per cent).

How do you keep your children entertained on long car journeys? Add your comments below.

Findings further reveal that nearly two in five (38 per cent) kids get bored in just 15 minutes if they have nothing to do. And with the RAC warning of unprecedented bank holiday congestion, cars and kids are a recipe for raised blood pressure amongst parents, warns learndirect.

When it comes to long car journeys, traditional car games are still the best way to keep the kids occupied, with nearly 70 per cent of parents in the South East opting for the likes of 'I Spy' or 'counting cows'.

A similar number of parents (63 per cent) also bring books to keep their kids busy on long journeys. However, over half (54 per cent) are forking out for the latest games consols and portable DVD players to keep their cherubs busy.

Celebrity parents Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford know only too well the stress that long car journeys can cause.

Says Ruth: "Our young son gets very bored on long car journeys, so I need to plan ahead with ways to keep him entertained.

This Bank Holiday, learndirect is encouraging parents to pick up their free copy of 'Where Did The River Go?' as a way of keeping your kids occupied. We love it because there are maths & English puzzles as well as a great story by famous children's author Peter Corey. Our Jack calls it the magic book!'

Eamonn, who helped create the story book alongside Ruth, says: "We worked closely with Peter on this book and some of the puzzles really made me question my own maths skills.

It's a good way to test yourself but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of reading with your kids – especially on long car journeys where everyone needs to be occupied – even us adults! And even if you're not facing the roads, the story book is a great way of entertaining the kids at home this Bank Holiday."

To help combat boredom and restlessness in the car, top Child Psychologist and author, Dr Richard Woolfson, has devised a simple way of calculating the number of distractions needed to keep your child happy whilst on the move:

D = L
A x E

According to Dr Woolfson, the Length of the journey (in minutes) divided by the Amount of time (in minutes) it takes before your child gets bored, multiplied by how Excited your child is about getting to the destination (on the scale 1 = exceedingly excited; 10 = not bothered) will determine how many Distractions are required for the journey.

But Dr Richard Woolfson warns: "Although many parents rely on the latest gadgets to keep their kids occupied, watching a DVD or listening to music doesn't benefit them intellectually when compared to playing real games, reading books or doing puzzles or quizzes. These types of activities will stimulate their brains and keep them engaged for longer."

Visit the learndirect website www.wheredidtherivergo.co.uk to find out more on how to get your free copy of 'Where Did The River Go?'. You can also find your nearest learndirect centre by logging onto www.learndirect-skills.co.uk or by calling the freephone number 0800 101 901.

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