Summer Travel Tuesday: Teaching the kids to pack

Going to Grandma's or taking a family excursion across the country? Teaching your kids to pack now, will instill in them a sense of responsibility and save you stress later.

Here's How:

• Write down the planned activities for your vacation. Ask the kids what they will need for these activities.
  

• If they don't already have a duffle bag or piece of luggage, have the kids pick one out from the store.
  

• Have little ones? Have them retrieve items for packing their bags.

• Teach them about the importance of having a luggage tag in case his or her  bag gets lost.
  

• Have slightly older kids (7 to 12)? Suggest what they may need for the weekend trip and let them pack for themselves. They do need help remembering what to bring, particularly hygiene items.

• Before you leave, double check everyone's bags
  

Step 3

Allow the kids to pick out their own weekend bag. Let them choose a suitcase, a duffel bag or a favorite backpack.

Step 4

Have kids age 3 and under retrieve the items they need to pack. Ask them where something is and see if they can find it and help place it in their weekend bag. Make it a game while they learn and you teach.

Step 5

Let kids age 4 to 7 do the same as the younger ones. They can also pack the bag by themselves. The more they do it, the more they remember. Check their bags as they go.

Step 6

Suggest to the 8 to 12 age group what they may need for the weekend trip and let them pack for themselves. They are old enough to be responsible for their own packing. They do need help remembering what to bring, particularly hygiene items.

Step 7

Give teenagers the freedom to pack for themselves. They must follow house rules (for example, no see-through garments or underwear showing). Give them the agenda and trust that they will do the right thing.

Step 8

Check that everyone has required hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste, clean underwear for each day and necessary medications. If the child forgets something, don't sweat it, unless she is the bridesmaid in your cousin's wedding and forgot the dress.

Read more: How to Teach Kids to Pack for Themselves for a Weekend Trip | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2040978_kids-pack-weekend.html#ixzz0tPOlPGpq