Child's BACKPACK

Dependent on the child’s age and strength.

Change of clothes

Back-up pair of glasses or contacts

Electronics: phone and charger, iPad and charger

Medical Info: (retain medications in adult backpack unless the child is mature enough to handle the medications)

Money: a small quantity of money in a simple pouch or small purse

Blanket (perhaps a favorite, small one)

Pictures: a small collection of pictures of parents, siblings, pets with names and contact information on the reverse of each picture. (Small, plastic photo albums are sold at most drugstores.)

Favorite toy and a book that can remain stashed in the backpack. (tricky)

Contacts list: very important. Note any names and numbers that might be helpful if you and your child were separate.

Personal toiletries

Favorite snacks individually packed.