Going anywhere with young children requires patience and, in the words of Mad Eye Moody, constant vigilance. It also helps to have a few tricks in your bag. Though my grandchildren live in another state, if they are visiting me or I am visiting them, I make sure to add a few things to my purse:
 

• Small toys: Finger puppets, toy cars, or Wikki Stix can all provide a few moments of distraction at key times.
• Paper and pen: Remember those cool pens with different colors of ink? They are captivating even if you don’t use them to draw pictures!
• Wet wipes: I’ve got a box of individually wrapped ones so I can always have one in my bag.
• Bandaids: Because almost any injury is immediately resolved with the application of a bandage, especially if it sports a favorite character.
• A snack: I’ve usually got an airline packet of pretzels at the very least. Fruit leather and nuts are also easy to carry around, but make sure whatever you’ve got is on the parents’ approved list.
• Apps: When all else fails, it helps to have at least one age appropriate app on your phone. My favorite ones are the simplest: straightforward puzzle games and painting apps without levels or rewards.

 
What do you keep in your bag for your grandchildren?