As our kids get older, we have less control over what
happens during their day at school, which means they might be handling unexpected
situations by themselves. In order to prepare them for these unplanned events, send
them with an emergency kit that will allow them to feel comfortable dealing
with the ups and downs of teenhood when you can’t be there to help.
For Girls
Before your young lady heads out the door, make sure her
backpack has a pouch full of these must-need items. You can use an old makeup
bag or buy her a new one. Zip it up and slip it into a discreet pocket or zippered
area of her school bag, and she’ll be ready to handle anything that comes her
way.
Lip balm – You don’t want her lips to look
like two shriveled grapes, especially in the winter. Dry, cracked lips can be
painful and unflattering.
Deodorant – Let’s face it. Teenage stink is worse
than little kid stink and using deodorant before and after PE is helpful to
everyone involved.
Hand sanitizer – Every surface in a school
building is covered in grubby, kid germs. So, using a little hand sanitizer
before lunch is imperative to keeping that immune system strong. .jpg)
Tissues – For those unexpected mood swings that
leave your preteen or teenage girl in a puddle of tears. Also, Texas allergies.
Enough said.
Bobby pins – Whether you’re pinning back a
loose strand of hair or picking your locker’s stubborn lock, bobby pins are
always useful to have around.
Feminine products – No girl wants to be caught
off guard without period protection. So, having some feminine products stashed
away for an emergency will give you and your girl peace of mind.
Gum/mints – If your daughter really likes Taki’s
or Hot Cheetos, you’ll want to make sure she is equipped with something that
will tame that spicy breath after lunch.
For Boys
Send your young man out into the world prepared to fight bad
smells and bad hair days with a pouch filled with these items. He will thank
you for it….in a few years.
Comb – A comb and a little water from the boys’
bathroom can tame a floppy hairstyle in minutes.
Mouthwash/breath spray – Your son’s affinity
for eating pizza for breakfast won’t affect his social skills if he is armed
with mouthwash or breath spray.
Body spray – Teenage boys are beginning to test
the waters of adding scents to their morning routine or to cover up bad smells
after sports. But, please teach your son that less is more when it comes to body
spray.
Deodorant – Tough boy odors can be made better
with a little deodorant.
Powder – Plain powder, like from brands like
Gold Bond can be useful to put inside stinky athletic shoes and dry up sweat
after athletics.
Disposable toothbrushes – You know your
roll-out-of-bed-at-the-last-minute son isn’t going to leave enough time to
brush his teeth in the morning. So, adding a few of disposable toothbrushes to
his pouch might save him from having morning breath all day.
Facial wipes – Your teenager can keep acne
breakouts at bay by wiping his face off after a sweaty day playing basketball
or walking to school in the Texas heat.
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Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
