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Most of us who are preparing for off the grid living or survival type situations are preoccupied with food, water, energy and maybe personal defense preparations, and with good reason. However, children will require more than just food and shelter; like adults they’re require some intellectual stimulation and some entertainment to keep them healthy.
As I’ve traveled around the world, I’ve visited some remote places where children don’t have high speed internet, Playstation games and other high-tech gadgets. It doesn’t take a lot for a kid to stay happy and preoccupied, but their needs are different from adults. I’ve made a short list of things that every family should have in their emergency preparations, even if there are not small children in the home (who knows who might end up with you in an emergency situation).
Consider including the following in your off-grid plans:
1. Crayons
2. Coloring books
3. Text books on all the basic subjects
4. Reading books, everything from infant to adult
5. Pencils
6. Notepads and scrap paper
7. Solar calculators
8. India ink and quill pens (those ballpoint pens will run out eventually)
9. Chalk board and chalk
10. Some basic science kits
You can’t have too many crayons or pencils, and paper is cheap so buy whole boxes of it. These things are widely available right now and inexpensive. They don’t take up much room, either, so spend a day and visit a Wal-Mart or school supply store and stock up. It’s an investment you won’t regret!
