Raising Boys? Always Be Prepared! Here’s How and Why…

I’ve learned something pretty quickly one day when our boys were five year old and a toddler- if you have boys, you need to be prepared for every scenario! Now, here me out… I’m sure this applies for some girl moms too but, being a boy mom is all I know. They will inevitably find dirt, water or other substance to get into. It finds them like a magnet. Now, I’m not trying to stereotype, but cooommme onnn! You know it’s true!

On a day trip to Gettysburg a few years ago, I don’t think I was all together in the head! It was a cloudy day, I didn’t think we’d do any hiking (we didn’t have proper shoes for the boys or myself). Also, I didn’t pack enough snacks! Luckily, I had a packed a picnic lunch. You see my boys are four years apart. We hadn’t done many day trips since our youngest was born. We were starting to venture into that world as a family of four. Our boys are very different. Our oldest is very cautious and our youngest is very adventurous and gets into everything. Also with two boys, there’s double the mess. It just seemed like I was relearning things. So I made a promise to myself, from that day on, I would come prepared for every outing. Especially summer vacation road trips.

 

What to always have on hand in your vehicle:

• snacks– just when you think you have enough, pack more
• water– lots of it, they get thirsty, especially the toddlers!
• change of clothes– while you’re at it, might as well have two changes per child, and another pair of shoes! For the love of all things Holy and pure. Don’t forget to do this. From now on every Spring, I’m adding a new set of clothes to the van.
• plenty of diapers and wipes– Even if your kid is potty trained, always  have wipes on you. God knows what you could get yourself into and need these! You can use wipes for wiping hands and other various as sundry uses!
• tissues– oh the tissues… my kids get bloody noses like it’s their job! They inherited this gene or sensitive nasal blood vessels from their father. People freak out when this happens and I’m like it’s cool it’s our norm! I got this! Bring the tissues! I keep a box in my van at all times!
• if it’s summer pack a swimsuit, you never know, it could come in handy! You know your kids will find a stream and want to go in it. While you are at it bring water shoes.
• extra pair of shoes
• sunscreen
• first aid kit– they are boys, they play hard!
• their blankets– you never know they may sneak a nap in the car
• sweatshirt or spring jacket– you just never know when you are going to be out and it gets a bit chilly.
• toys– ‘I’m bored!’ does that sound familiar?
• towel– again you never know when that could come in handy!
• coloring book and color utensils
• screwdriver– believe it or not, I could have used this at one point!
• scissors- I needed this when my oldest bought a new ball/frisbee contraption and wanted to open it NOW. You just never know.
• Plastic grocery bags or a wet bag- have these handy for diapers or anything that gets wet and dirty.

I decided I am going to keep these things in my van or remember to bring it along when we are out and about or go on day trips. Better safe than sorry!

What do you always keep on hand for your kids? What lessons have you learned along the way?