Are there lots of cars lined up ahead? If so, this is where your mind can really start to trigger stress. Distract yourself. Talk about last week's party. Find a talk radio show that holds some interest for you. Whatever you do, don't get impatient and honk your horn. I actually heard this happen once and I suspect that car is still there being cleared!
Next but one
Start to prepare yourself for the inspection. Get your passports (and CanPass) ready by opening them at the photo pages. Turn off the radio and roll down your window. Take deep belly (diaphragm) breaths - breathe in with your hand on your tummy pushing in - hold for five seconds - breathe out - do this five times. Result? . . . much of your stress will wash away and you have just used up another 30 seconds!
At the primary inspection booth
Well, it's now your turn. Let me explain the interaction that's about to take place.
The inspection officer is trained with a specific agenda in mind. He or she must, within a few seconds, assess whether:
a) you are a citizen of a country eligible to enter the U.S.,
b) you wish to enter for a legitimate pleasure or eligible business reason (the officer has to sort out in his or her mind into which "slot" you fit, and whether you can enter under an oral visa or must go to secondary inspection to complete written documentation),
c) you intend to return to Canada within a reasonable time frame, and
d) you have the financial resources to do so (since you are driving a car, appear reasonably well groomed (I hope) and have luggage - this last assessment is probably a moot point).
Your mission is to answer all the questions honestly without raising side issues; to remain cool and calm while doing it (remember our chat in the Duty Free parking lot?), and get you and your family across the border with the minimum of fuss.
Now let's talk about your body language actions and how you can deliver some very positive messages to aid your goals