Top 5 Things Moms Should Keep in the Family Minivan
By Neena on May 8, 2007 in Children of All Ages, Just for Moms, Parenting Tips, Travel, Working From Home
Now that spring sports have started, my kids and I spend a lot of time in our family minivan traveling from one activity to another.
My minivan has become a home away from home of sorts. I have learned that I must keep it well stocked so that everyone will remain happy.
The Top 5 things I must have in my Minivan are:
- Food
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
Because - full kids are happy kids. (One good choice is Cheerios Snack Mix - a healthier alternative than some of the other grab and go snacks) - Drinks
Water, juice, and Gatorade
Because - hydrated kids are healthy kids. - Clean Up Stuff
Wet wipes, paper towels, anti-bacterial hand cleaner, and several empty plastic grocery bags for garbage
Because - clean kids and cars make for happy mommies. - Sweatshirts and extra t-shirts
Because - warm and dry kids tend not to complain as much. - Stroller
Because - preschoolers don’t always want to walk or stay put.
This Top 5 post has been submitted to the Top 5 - Group Writing Project at Problogger.net.
Thank you, Darren, for running the project - what a wonderful opportunity to network with other bloggers!
19 Comment(s)
By Ginene on May 8, 2007 | Reply
I saw from your profile. We are both a mom of 4. I agree with the things you should keep in the minivan. I also keep a blanket in the winter time just in case the car breaks down.
By Neena on May 8, 2007 | Reply
Good idea. I should do that, too. I can’t tell you how many times we have been at some sporting event with no place to sit. A blanket would solve that problem.
By Kate on May 9, 2007 | Reply
I only have two kids, so we can still make do with a car, but space is limited. Thanks for keeping your list down to the essentials that I can manage and still make life easier.
By Neena on May 9, 2007 | Reply
Kate,
You are welcome. I get frustrated if I am out on the road, the kids need something, - and it’s just not there. (Like when we are in my husband’s car!) I thought the list would be helpful.
By James on May 9, 2007 | Reply
Funny, we have no kids and my wife seems to bring most of that stuff whenever she goes anywhere with me. At least she does not think I need a stroller.
By Neena on May 9, 2007 | Reply
Your wife is a smart lady - and I am glad you don’t need a stroller.
By TheOzz on May 9, 2007 | Reply
This is so true. I do my far share of minivan driving with our two kids (both under 5).
I found you via ProBlogger’s Top 5. I will add you to my Top[?] picks from Darren’s Top 5 list after I get done sifting through all of them.
Your title is what caught my eye. I do not have time to review all the Top 5’s of the day, but instead I am only reviewing the ones whose titles catch my attention.
By Neena on May 9, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for your feedback, it is helpful to know what it was about my post that caught your eye. I appreciate it.
By Mirko on May 9, 2007 | Reply
Full kids are happy kids and… happy kids are fat kids…
By Neena on May 9, 2007 | Reply
That, Mirko, would depend on what you feed them.
By Kathy on May 10, 2007 | Reply
One small thing I always keep in the back of my car is a small tool kit…because it never fails, I’m broken down on the side of the road, someone wants to help, and the first thing they ask is “Do you have a screwdriver?” (Or jumper cables. Jumper cables are good.)
By Neena on May 10, 2007 | Reply
Kathy,
Very practical advice. Thanks.
By Susan Denham on May 10, 2007 | Reply
The wipes come in handy lots of times. Since I have 2 still hooked on Pacifiers, I try to have one or two extra in the car, in case one gets thrown out a window or left somewhere. This is a good list. I found you via the top 5 as well.
By Neena on May 10, 2007 | Reply
Oh yes, I remember the days of pacifiers - don’t leave home without it!
By Kristen (Quirky) on May 10, 2007 | Reply
well I’m only a mommy of 1 and no mini van but the car has all that! :):) And more normally! Maybe I need to upgrade to the minivan so I still fit!
Great post!
By Neena on May 10, 2007 | Reply
Thanks, Kristen - but you might want to stick with the car, in my experience - the more space I have, the more space I need!
By Karen on May 11, 2007 | Reply
What a great list! And so true- all of those are definately necessities.
By Neena on May 11, 2007 | Reply
Thanks, Karen.
By Sherri Caldwell - The Rebel Housewife on May 16, 2007 | Reply
Neena, I love your Top 5 List! I’m Mom to 3 kids and 1 dog, all a little older, so no stroller required anymore (thank goodness!). Now I keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the SUV, and for summer: sunscreen and the swim bag with swimsuits/towels. I will try to keep in touch, fellow Mom Blogger!