Busy Bags for Kids
Taking children to an event outside the home lasting several hours can be a long several hours if you're not prepared with something to entertain the kids. Road trips, weddings and other events can be much more pleasant when your child has some things to do. Children tend to have short attention spans, so it is important to have a variety of activities in a portable bag that you can bring anywhere. Small backpacks or drawstring bags work well, and allows the child to carry his own bag.
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Coloring Supplies
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Most children enjoy coloring. It promotes creativity and enhances fine motor skills. It can also be done almost anywhere with just a few supplies. Coloring books, crayons, markers, colored pencils and paper are the main things you need. Make coloring a little more interesting for your child by numbering the sections on a coloring book page with different colors and then have your child match the colors to the numbers. Children also enjoy tracing numbers, letters and pictures.
Books
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A variety of books is a staple for a busy bag. Younger children enjoy books that offer different textures and materials they can feel with their hands or lift-the-flap books. Older children might enjoy hidden object books where they have to find several items hidden throughout the book. While books may seem expensive, you can often find cheap children's books at used bookstores, school book fairs and even sales at the library.
Snacks
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When kids get hungry, they also often get cranky. Nonperishable snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, dried fruit and cereal are a healthy addition to a busy bag. Kids should eat small meals or snacks at least every few hours to avoid low blood sugar and fatigue. Don't forget to stash a juice box or small water bottle inside as well to quench their thirst. Snacks also distract kids and keep them from getting bored.
Games & Toys
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Games and toys that are appropriate for busy bags include puzzles, puzzle books, matching memory games, sticker games, magnets with a small cookie sheet and small cars or animal figures. Card games like UNO, Old Maid and Go Fish keep kids entertained for longer periods of time and allow kids to entertain each other. Travel games like car or sign bingo, scavenger hunts or ABC games work well for road trips.
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