Five Busy Bags Guaranteed To Keep Kids Occupied on the Go
Do you want to keep your child quiet and occupied when you are eating in a restaurant? What about when you are at the doctor’s office and suddenly the wait is over an hour? Do you have a little one who you are constantly lugging around to an older sibling’s activities and you don’t want him on a screen while he waits?
With three kids, you can bet that I’ve been in all of these situations more than once. Poor Sloane spent half her toddlerhood waiting in the orthodontist’s office for Nate or sitting on a blanket at Ruby’s softball practices. She waited on the benches with me during swim lessons and sat through more than a few dinners out that were way past her bedtime.
I knew I didn’t want to occupy her with a screen during these times, but I also didn’t have it in me to sit there and read her books or play with her or follow her around begging her not to lick the walls. So, here’s what I did…
WAIT! Before you read any further, hear this: If you choose to use screens as a tool when out and about, you are doing a great job. Making busy bags will not make you a better parent than the parent who chooses screens as a tool.
How To Make a Simple Busy Bag for Your Kids
Buy or repurpose mini pouches, stuff them with materials you know your child will love .
Keep the pouches in your glove compartment, diaper bag, or purse. Keep pouches off limits when you are not out and about. Novelty matter, here. Keep them special!
Below, you will find affiliate links and items to stuff the pouches. These pouches are not intended for children three or under. These items are choking hazards, and children must be supervised when using them.
Yes, this takes a little bit of effort up front, but the reward is so worth it.
muslin pouch/ mini magnetic fidgets
That’s it! Five simple make-ahead busy bags to keep kids occupied without screens. Now, go ahead, and have that conversation with your best friend while the kids are busy playing at the table. Cheers!