The worst part of traveling and staying with friends or distant family sometimes is bringing your children along. You never know how they're going to act, whether they will erupt suddenly somehow or break something or spill something. You know what I'm talking about. When you enter a home where the living room is darkened and people speak in hushed tones, you know you're in trouble unless your kids are robots. Or unless you bring the duct tape along.

Here's a very useful list for ensuring your visit is a success. Highlights include:

• Duct tape oven mitts to children under the age of 3 (to prevent touching of breakables)
  
• Bring a stake and leash for wandering toddlers.
• Bring an IV. This is the best way to prevent unnecessary spills.

Short of staying home or leaving the kids at a kennel babysitter, what else can you do? What strategies have worked for you?

P.S. Looks like I've developed a sense of humor since I last saw this photo (from Daddytypes, by the way).  Will wonders never cease?