Life is full of unexpected waiting. Here are five small, simple, silly things to always keep in your purse or glove compartment when out with your small children.
Mini Tub of Play-Doh
The small tubs of Play-Doh take up minimal room. The possibilities are endless with Play-Doh. Anything imaginable can be created. Roll it into a snake and scare each other, make a “bowl” and fill it with berries or flatten out a few round pieces to make a stack of pancakes, Kids love a fresh color to play with.
A Felt-Tip Pen
You can usually find a scrap of paper just about anywhere. How about the back of an old receipt or a napkin? Tuck along a mini pad of sticky notes and make pictures or letters for you kids to guess at. Draw a mini smiley face or their finger or yours and put on a show! My daughter loves it when I make her a “friend” to talk to!
A Matchbox Car
A child's imagination is a wonderful thing. You will be amazed at how much fun a child can have with one car and his/her imagination. Cars are small items that can fit anywhere. If you are worried that a car is not a girl's toy, there are plenty of pink Cadillacs or convertibles to choose from! If the car is still in the package, that counts for at least an extra five minutes.
Container of Mints
Little fingers like to manipulate the openings and levers on Tic Tacs and Smints. If your kids don't like mint, try cinnamon, orange or fruit flavors. The kids can have a mini treat without ruining an appetite. Also doubles as a musical instrument you can shake!
A Quarter (or One for Each Child)
While those quarter vending machines can sometime be the bane of your existence, in a pinch a small plastic toy or sticker can entertain your child for a while. Actually, I have always found the decision-making involved is the best part (and consumes the most time!). Also can work as a bribe.
Kids love surprises and variety. Next time you need them to sit still for just a few more minutes, pull out one of these tricks! With a little planning you can really reduce your anxiety and frustration and have a little fun instead!
Have any items that you have found useful in the past?
