Creating a Bored Toddler Kit
What is in your handy kit?
Keeping toddlers occupied for long periods of time seems like mission: impossible right? Believe me, I know!
I am often there while waiting in the car with the kids somewhere along the line or even if we are out to dinner. Toddlers are just restless little creatures.
Last week I actually found myself in serious need of my handy dandy tote bag full of treats, tricks and crap to occupy a 2 year old.
I had gone to pick up the kids from school and there were tons of signs about a Red Cross blood donation drive starting in a half hour. My husband is always looking for a time and place to donate blood when he is off from work. Well that ended up making my quick 10-minute trip to pick the kids up from school a 90-minute session of occupying kids who really weren’t in the best of moods and of course really needed a good nap!
Thank God my mini van also doubles as a damn fun house or I have no idea what I would have done!
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Crayons & Paper
The typical crayons and paper are great to keep on hand. Coloring books are also a great option as well!
Photo from Morguefile -
Books
Picture books, character books, or any other kind of books your toddler enjoys. Books are also a good way to keep their attention for a longer stretch.
Photo from Morguefile -
Electronics
iPhone, radio, something to play a game or movie on... anything that will keep their attention for more than a few seconds!
Photo from Morguefile -
Snacks
Food and drink are always a huge savior. Keep small healthy snacks, bottles of water, and your toddler's favorite treat on hand.
Photo from Morguefile -
Small Toys
Got cars your kids love? Maybe it is dolls, Barbies, or My Little Ponies? Pack up whatever you know is guaranteed to keep them distracted.
Photo from Flickr -
Extra Shoes
Why extra shoes? Well, sometimes our toddler isn't wearing something that would be fit for running or playing. See if you can find a playground or an open field and just let them run - and join in!
Photo from MorgueFile -
Bubbles
I am not sure about your toddler, but mine can play with and be memorized for hours with bubbles. Plus, they don't take up much space and last a long time. Photo from MorgueFile
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Special Toy
A lot of kids have some kind of a special toy. This is a complete must-have for the bag (though it is probably a must-have everywhere you go)!
Photo from MorgueFile
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Read more on Toddler Times from Danielle:
8 Outdoor Toys All Toddlers Need
Tips for Surviving a Trip to the Dentist
7 Parent-Tested Tips for Getting Your Toddler’s To Sit Through a Hair Cut!
I love these tips – another great bag of tricks example is to create a scavenger hunt wherever you go. If you are in a restaurant, compile a list of items for your toddler to find such as a menu, fork, window, light and dessert cabinet. once they find the item, go into the next. If they are a visual person, create some of these beforehand and include pictures and words. You can have a supermarket, restaurant, park, general store and doctors office scavenger hunt all ready and pull it out of your bag of tricks when you need it!
I’ve found (at Target, but other stores carry them) little pre-packed activity bags that have a little coloring book, a few crayons and stickers in an assortment of characters (princesses, Cars, Tinkerbell, etc) for only $1. I keep a couple in my car for emergencies. Also, I’ve made a small felt board by gluing felt to a piece of cardboard and then cutting out random shapes from other felt. Keep them in a ziplock baggie in the car and it’s super cheap entertainment. If they lose a few pieces, just cut out some more. Felt sheets are only 29 cents at Michaels, so it’s not a big investment.