LATEST FROM OUR BLOGGERS
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Reply to Today's Community Chalkboard Question!
Getting to know our members better is truly important to us. One new way to do that i...
View More
Food Allergies - A Mother's Fears
May 13-19th is Food Allergy Awareness Week. This cause is one close to my heart, as o...
View More
How Long is TOO Long to Breastfeed?
By now, you likely know the benefits to breastfeeding your child. And while it i...
View More
BLOG roll
poll
Do you believe you can increase your fertility by eating certain foods or doing certain exercises?
BLOG archives
BLOG contributors
Bag of Tricks
Monday, November 22, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Halloween is long gone and so are my sweet treats
. As we launch into Thanksgiving week, I'm packing a whole new bag, a bag of tricks.
Oh, yes, don't forget the diaper bag, an extra change of clothes, bottles/food, back-up bink, favorite blanket...but this holiday season, consider also packing up a bag of tricks.
Bag of tricks? Oh yes, the bag of tricks. This is especially vital if you are off on any length of car/plane/train travel and have a toddler in tow.
In addition to their favorite toy, the bag of tricks may guarantee your survival. This is the bag to have handy when the going gets "a bit challenging." You know, when boredom is setting in and you've not quite arrived.
Your bag doesn't have to be big, and the items don't have to be new.
Here's a few things I'm packing up this time of year:
*Stickers and a few pieces of paper.
*New book (or two). An alternative for a new book is a few favorite books that have been packed away over the last few weeks...ta-da, they are back and *new!*
*Band-aids. Not just for boo-boos, a box of band-aids can provide great entertainment to a toddler. Try it.
*Coins. Be warned: COINS ARE A CHOKABLE. However, with that said, sitting on a plane working with your munchkin one on one, you might find they are mezermized by the different sizes, pictures, etc. Coins were my saving grace one plane ride when the kiddo decided to reject the nap. We sorted, counted, and then arranged from large to small and small to large. Again, use ONLY with supervision.
*A few small toys (non-chokable - remember: anything that can fit on the inside of a paper towel tube IS a chokable). A good place to find a few new items may be the aisle of your local party store or dollar store. Think non-traditional, unconventional, but always think safety first.
*Finally, food is always a good final option. Something special, like a small box of animal crackers, may just get you 15 minutes more down the road.
Happy & safe travels this holiday!
