packing your bags

PACKING YOUR BAGS







Summer is coming and with it comes the excitement and fun of family vacations. But even the best of parents get a little queasy at the thought of packing for a whole family. This task was greatly simplified at our house when we stumbled onto this one little idea.

By creating a packing list and hanging one in each child's closet, children can learn how to pack their own clothes, they feel more involved in the upcoming trip and last but definitely not least a list cuts down on the number of forgotten items. What seems like a scavenger hunt list to kids, can save rushed parents precious time. Younger kids can pull out all the items needed and have a parent do a quick okay check, before packing their stuff in their bag. As they grow older they will get better at packing on their own. If the list is hung in a plastic sheet protector, kids can use a dry erase marker to mark off items as they pack them. Below is a list a items that could be included on a packing list.





basic:
shirts
pants/ shorts
belt
underclothing
socks
walking shoes
flip-flops/ sandals
sweatshirt/ sweater
pajamas

others if needed:
jacket
hat
slippers
sunglasses
pillow
water bottle



activity bag:
electronic devices
books
snacks
activities

personal: (may be packed in a family bag)
toothbrush/toothpaste/ floss
hairbrush/comb
body wash/ face cleansers
hair products and accessories
sunscreen
lotion
lip balm


special occasions:

water activities:
swimming suit
cover-up clothing
water shoes
sunscreen
towel

snow activities:
coat
snow pants
hat
gloves
boots
scarf

dress-up activities:
shirt and skirt or pants/ jacket
extras like tie, slip, hair bow, jewelry, etc.
dress shoes
dress socks



Other tips that may help.
Buy a different color bag for each child or buy the same color for the whole family and then tie a different color ribbon on each bag.
To save clutter and confusion make a rule that "everything you take must fit it your bag."