Things that are unexpectedly useful when traveling with children

As we get ready to move again it seems appropriate to share some of our new travel insights. There are many things we have found we really don't need (like shampoo) and there are many things they we use regularly (like bathing suits). But I am not going to discuss any of those things in great length as shampoo and bathing suits are obvious objects of daily life. What I find more intriguing are those small low cost objects that unexpectedly provide hours of entertainment for our children.

Stacking cups: I got these early in our travels because the stacking function appealed to my packing instinct. And all the girls really like to play with them and stack them. But they have assumed more roles than I expected. They are our bath toys. They are our beach toys. They are our sand and park toys. They are our berry collecting cups. They are used in imaginary play by the girls. They used as boxes to put stones and toys in. They get used as dishes. There are seven of them so no one needs to fight. Three dollars well spent really.

Kiwi spoon: I remembered this implement from our days in New Zealand and was excited when our box of kiwis came with one because they make eating kiwis on the road a breeze. It is useful to have a knife and fork in my bag. We use it to eat on the road often. The girls use it to eat with at home. It is a beach and park toy. It is our playdoh tool. It is our baking tool. It has proved so useful we now have three.

Bouncing putty: Who doesn't like playing with putty? It is tactile bliss. I keep the little container in my purse and take it out when the going gets dull. Noisy kids on the train - no problem. Sitting in a restaurant- no worries. The putty is always there to babysit. I have brought numerous other toys but they all get thrown aside after 10 minutes while somehow the putty doesn't seem to get boring.

Poppy thing: We don't even really know what these things are called but they are great. It is a rubber dome that flips inside out and then pops up high up when you least expect it. One of the simple machines that is thrilling. I became very popular in climbing class because I always brought one along to entertain Tova. The teacher would have to drag the children away from it. I like to think maybe it is just me that makes children run to my side and stare in wonder but alas it is just the poppy thing. Anyhow, not only is it great entertainment it is also a quick way to make friends.

Scarf: I can't remember if the girls brought the scarf along or if I brought it to use. Either way it has become part of their arsenal of shenanigans. It is a leash for dolls. It is a baby carrier. It is our dress up wardrobe. It is a curtain for a tent. It is a doll blanket or bed. I find it tied around the table legs, hanging from lights, stuffed in small spaces.

Popcorn: I had to add this in here because it has been so useful. It is the perfect snack for people on the move - super cheap, light, and small. A tablespoon of the little gems turn into a bowl of food that kids go wild over. Maybe this is what they mean by manna. I often resort to food to entertain children because when their mouths are full they are quieter and when they are not hungry they are happier. I know that a bag of popcorn will convince Tova to sit in the stroller while we walk. I know that a bag of popcorn will make little feet hike farther. Plus, home popped popcorn is way healthier than most of the snacks for children in the grocery store.

Headlamp: This one is the most expensive item on the list. The most obvious use and the reason we brought it along is to read in the dark. Moments such as after 9 pm in a dark hotel room full of sleeping children or giving Aurora time to read in bed without waking her sisters. But again it gets used daily for all sorts of things. Jumping on the bed in the dark. A necklace. Caves at the climbing gym. Dark holiday parks. Light shows. Dark powwows.

Brains On: And finally this one. These are free science podcasts done by an incredible team of motivated Americans who are "serious about being curious". By team I mean three people who think science is great and want to share that with children. This is part of the reason Aurora loves science so much. This is the reason Aurora knew more about cow digestion than me. This is Aurora's happiness in the car. She gets very car sick and this is the best distraction ever. To the point where she sometimes complains when we haven't been in a car in awhile. Actually, I am making it seem like it is just great for kids but Jakob and I also really enjoy listening to the episodes and have learned a lot too.