Traveling with Children = a Challenge

Any of you that have traveled with kiddos knows that it is really just... challenging. You can be as prepared as a 72-hour kit, but your chances of complete obedience and no crying are slim to none. I mean, really, how can you prepare for the melt down about how they don't want to take off their shoes in airport security? or that the flight attendent will be out of milk? or perhaps that their Lego piece will fall through the crack at the bottom of your rental van? If I knew, I would tell you, because these were things that I surely was not prepared for during our recent vacation. If I knew they were going to be a problem, I would have! Trust me!

I did, however, prepare in other ways. Here is a small list of things I recommend taking with you while traveling:

1. Ear drops. These are available at any regular store (Target, ShopKo, Wal-Mart) over in the general area by the pharmacy. It is different in every store, so ask an assoicate to help you. I promise, it will be the best $5 you ever spent when traveling by car or by air; the elevation changes can bother the kids even if it is gradual. 

2. A thermometer. You never know when your little ones will catch a bug while on the road. Having a thermometer that you are familiar with and is easily accessible is priceless when they are heating up. Packing it up takes a small amount of space and it can be very handy. 

3. Your HugaMonkey. You have to take your little ones out of their strollers and car seats so the items can go through security at the airport. Holding a child with one hand while you manage stuff is anything but easy. Taking along your sling with make the process much easier. 

What about you? What do you recommend packing when traveling with kids?