WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

A friend of mine had a Pinterest board labeled "Mary Poppins Bag."  She had a lot of ideas for her little people to do while they were waiting at Dr. offices, hanging out at music lessons, sitting in traffic, or wherever.  I have always thought that was a great idea.  In my purse, I have pens and a pad of paper that many of my kids will use from time to time.  I also try to keep a Hot Wheels car of two for my little guy, though this last Sunday apparently just all the stuff in my bag was enough to keep him occupied during Sunday School as he unloaded my entire bag piece by piece. 

This got me thinking about what our preparedness needs are as we are out and about and preparing for the future.  Some things I do well with, but others I know I can improve upon.  I'll throw out a few ideas and you can take what you will, and add to it.

In your purse:  Hand Sanitizer, Band Aids (or small first aid kit), chap stick, period protection, kleenex, small notebook and pen, safety pins, small toys--if you have littles, small Swiss army knife or tool card, snacks, ponytail holder.

In your car bag:  Jumper cables, gloves, flashlight, pair of tennis shoes--if you usually wear high heels or flip flops, water bottle, whistle, first aid kit,  blanket or space blanket, multi-purpose tool, rain poncho, pen & paper, cell phone charger, paper towels/toilet paper.

A kids' boredom bag:  Printouts of riddles, jokes, and conversation starter questions, pads of paper or index cards with pens or pencils, balls, jump ropes, collapsible frisbee (can double as a fan), travel size or card games, Hot Wheels cars or other figurines, a great distraction toy like bubbles, I spy books, magnadoodle, etc.  (Take only one item out at a time to keep it exciting as long as possible!)

Anticipate for hiccoughs or changes in life.  If you know something is coming up a little different than normal, you can prep bags for you, your kids, or your family.  While attending a homeschool training this past year, I made "fun bags" for each of my kids.  When they were good that day, they got to open it at a predetermined time.  Sometimes it had a fun snack or treat, other times it had a dollar-store surprise.  It was never a big item, but the anticipation made it fun and it helped the big sister babysitters keep kids on track with the reminder of "the bag."  Even older kids (and dare I say husbands?) might enjoy a little something just so you know they are thinking of them--whether a favorite candy bar or a thoughtful thank-you note, a bit of fun and kindness can go a long way.

I challenge you to think about what kind of "bag" will help you with your preparedness.  From practical to fun, I am sure there is something that will help you and your family be just a bit more prepared.