5 Must Haves in Every Mom Purse
Ok moms. It’s time to talk about the thing we do nearly every day…
Going out in public with kids in tow.
Wait, I know what you’re all thinking. This post is going to be in defense of the moms who leave the house in their yoga pants and sweatshirt instead of getting all dolled up. While I frequently leave the house looking like I would rather be in bed, that’s not what I’m here to talk about. Maybe later though!
I am here to talk about how we can return home with our sanity still intact.
We’ve all gone out to eat and braced ourselves for the “wait time”. You know, that time between sitting down at the table when everyone around you is staring at your kids wondering when the first explosion will happen and when the food arrives and you can start maniacally stuffing their faces to keep them quiet. Yep. We’ve all been there.
“Excuse me waiter, WHERE IS MY WINE?!?!”
Ladies, I’m here with some relief!
Here are 5 things I always keep in my purse to make the “wait time” a little more tolerable that aren’t call “iPad”. (Full disclosure: I pulled these items directly from my purse so they are well used)
#1 Post-It-Note Pad and Writing Utensil
So simple yet so many uses!
Delaney loves to draw and frequently makes flip-books out of a single Post-It-Note pad. Who says art has to be taught in school? Hudson will draw cars and tell everyone stories about them. He’s too young to write but he loves to talk! Sometimes he’ll just stick them in random places like the car windows to watch the wind blow them around. He’s even created card games so everyone can play. Monroe just scribbles on them, but what else would you expect from a 3 year old? At least she’s not destroying something else!
#2 Container and Coins
Any container will do as long as it requires some work from your kids to get the coins in. Your local hardware store probably sells small spill-proof containers in the tool organizing section. These little plastic jars come with a slotted rubber lid and are perfect for this activity! I personally carry around a tea cup and saucer we got at the American Girl Doll restaurant. Most of the coins fit perfectly in the cup but those that don’t get sorted out. Bonus: the cup and saucer can be used for baby tea parties!
For older kids you can work on identifying different coins and their value or adding coin values to practice math skills. Once you know how much the coins are worth you can talk about what could purchased with that amount of money.
#3 Deck of Cards
I didn’t embrace this option at first because it can become quite a mess when the cards end up all over the floor, but there are so many games that can be played with a single deck. The pros definitely outweighs the cons with this one!
We are teaching Delaney how to play Solitaire and B.S. (which means bologna sandwich to her). Hudson loves to make up his own card games and try to teach people the rules. Monroe pretends she is playing her own game that no one understands.
Besides games you can work with your kids on counting, matching, addition/subtraction and much more!
#4 Hot Wheels Cars
Let’s be honest, if you have a young son you likely have one or more of these in your purse already. They are a critical item! The wonderful thing about small cars is that boys can make a race track out of just about anything. Plus, most of the small cars are virtually indestructible and inexpensive to replace if they get lost.
We often go to Indiana Pacers games with my Dad and watch from the restaurant. Sporting events can last A LONG time so we need activities. We’ve used ticket stubs to make tunnels, menus to make garages and ramps, and plates as racetracks. Everything in sight can be used as a prop of some sort with small cars!
#5 Small Stuffed Animals or Baby Dolls
What kid doesn’t love a stuffed animal? They come in all shapes and sizes so find what works best for you and your kids. With a few small stuffed animals your kids can make up silly songs, make fun animal noises, create scenes and stories and much more. Set their little creative minds free! You can also use hard animals as they are easier to find in smaller sizes.
Remember though, of all of the items I just mentioned, losing a favorite stuffed animal while you’re out and about could lead to devastating results! I’ve been on the wrong end of a child who’s lost a favorite doll while we were out. Be sure to keep a careful eye on them when they are outside your purse.
By no means is this an all-inclusive list of essentials to keep your kids busy in public. I’m sure many of you moms have your own go-to’s.
I’d love to hear what your favorites are in the comments below!
