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!