You know those moms that have it all together every single time? They’re the ones whose daughters have the perfectly amazing hairdo’s everyday. The kids come to Halloween parties with these Pinterest worthy costumes and when you drop in to their house unexpected, it seems that everything is perfect and there are homemade snacks ready to eat at all times. But what if you are one of the other 99% of Moms? You know – the ones like me and you? How can you pull off everything that is demanded of you without going crazy? It requires a few minutes of planning, but with the right tools in your Super Mom Toolbox, you can rescue the day for your kids and family without losing your cool!

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What to put in a Super Mom Toolbox

Hot Glue Gun:

With a hot-glue gun, you can create a scarecrow costume out of an old pair of overalls or jeans, help your kids build a teepee at the last minute or hang artwork and special awards. A hot glue gun can even be used to hang curtains on a concrete wall in a dorm room if needed (true story!)

Makeup Crayons:

Need a last minute Halloween costume? Add some freckles, a button nose or some black circles under the eyes with some Makeup Crayons to help finish off the scarecrow, Raggedy Ann doll or football player.

Poster Board:

We’ve all had those late night requests when our kids just happen to remember that their poster project is due tomorrow. It doesn’t matter that they’ve known about the project for 2 weeks; it just gets front and center attention at 9:30 before bed. Skip the panic, and always keep an extra sheet of poster board hidden behind the couch.

Emergency Zipper Fix

Every Mom has had zipper break right before a big event. Maybe it’s a backpack zipper that breaks right before school starts or a sleeping bag right before a sleep over. Be ready to step in and save the day with these simple zipper fixers. With no tools required, The Fix n Zip is perfect for fixing the zippers on any outdoor recreation and travel items (including luggage, tents, duffle bags, pants, sleeping bags). You simply pick the right size zipper and unscrew it so it will fit on the broken zipper. Retighten by hand and you can have the zipper working in minutes!

Crayons and Markers:

This goes along with the poster board. You never know when you’re going to need to create the late night project, so be prepared with the tools they will need.

Basic Medicine:

The time to stock up on medicines for your kids is not when they are sick. Oh no! The time to buy cough drops, orajel, fever reducer and band-aids is when everyone is well. Buy it now and have it put back so you’ll be ready to save the day when your child gets sick.

Tip: Use a baseball card storage box or fishing tackle box to corral all the basic medicines in your cabinet!

Clear Soda:

We learned the hard way that the only thing that will settle stomachs sometimes is a clear soda. The problem is that most of the time it seems like the kids get sick in the middle of the night when the stores are closed. We now keep some clear, carbonated soda in the cabinet that never gets opened unless someone gets sick.

Toothpicks, Kite String, balloons, duck tape:

You just never know when you’re going to need basic things like toothpicks or string. I’ve had the kids randomly ask for toothpicks when they are carving pumpkins (to attach ears and hair), balloons when they are ready to head out and shoot their Zingshot bow and arrow or kite string when it’s time to build a school project. Never fear…. The prepared mom knows exactly where these things are so she doesn’t have to run to the store.

Read more about the 19 Essential Craft Supplies for Kids

Tip: Keep these things in a box so you can easily find them without having to go into panic mode.

• tape
• string
• balloons
• toothpicks
• cotton balls
• popsicle sticks
• pipe cleaners
• googly eyes
• glue

Snack Options:

I am never going to be the mom that bakes homemade snacks every single day. It’s just not my thing. But I can have granola bars, popcorn and basic snacks on hand so they’ll be ready when the kids need them.

Being a Mom is less about knowing it all and more about just being creative and resourceful. There’s no way we can be ready for everything! But if you’re like me, you sure do want to try!

What are some things you always keep on hand for emergency mom moments? I’d love to hear!

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Looking for more ideas for being ready for last minute craft emergencies? Check out this list of 19 Essential Craft Supplies for Kids