How do you teach kids to pack?

Question

We are going up to visit my great aunt and uncle up down in Deleware. It will only be a 5 hour drive, and after our 12 hour drive we can do ANYTHING. It was a last minute thing, but we will be staying for a week. My dad is busy thing weekend helping my grandma and grandpa clean up there yard for an annual picnic they have in 2 weeks. My mom is trying to figure out the vacation, gather important things, clean the house, etc. That leaves me packing the kids luggage. They're 9, 6, 4, 3, and 2 month old twins. Obviously I don't expect the twins to do anything, but I think the 3 year old can. So, how do I get them to pack?

Answer 1

My 17 1/2 year old son just left for a trip today, and the packing was a complete nightmare! While I agree with all the posters here (great ideas, guys) I have to tell you -I think I have given up hope.

I've tried lists, common sense, incentives, and even pleading...He wants to do it his way, which is wait until the last minute, not write anything down, and just shove the clothes in any which way.

Now he has forgotten a shirt that he HAS to wear, and I have to fedex it to him. (He's at an academic conference halfway across the US)I tried to doublecheck his packing, and he was furious. I'm thinking that he will pay for the fedex charges.

From a frazzled Mom

Side note-why are you responsible for packing your siblings? Yes, you should help, but you are not their parent. This sounds challenging, even for two grown parents, let alone one young teen.

Good luck, and try those ideas.

Answer 2

My parents made up a little check list with everything we need. For the little ones you can use pictures instead of words (google images has everything).

I like the idea that one of the other posters gave of making it into a racing game. I especially like that everyone who tries wins. That way you are encouraging them for doing what they could, even if they weren't  the first each time.

Answer 3

If it were me, I would make a list for the 9 year old and six year old if he/she can read. For the 3&4 year old kids I would go in their room with them and tell them which things they need and they can pick it out and put it in the suitcase.

Answer 4

same way you get them to clean example:

"hey John guess where we are going? well you know what that means? We need to get some things packed or we wont be able to go... we need some underwear.. and shirts and whatever..." your 9. and 6. year old should be fine but ur 4 and 3 year old might be more guidence its all a word game give them enough detail.. how many shirts should they pack? i mean i dont think they will get it right the first time but the fact that they are trying is wonderful and is great progress

Answer 5

You have the list, so make it a game. Stand in the hall and 'race' to get a particular item. The rules are (if it's already folded) it needs to stay folded and neat, and whoever gets back first after each item gets a point. You can pack up the twins item by item and race too. Then you and the 9 year old can go check bags.

Whoever gets the most points gets to decide on a treat for everyone, maybe making brownies or having ice cream after dinner. So everyone wins but the winner gets the pick.

Answer 6

I start packing a week before hand. At first, I put in small stuff- underwear, socks, sandals,first aid kit, night clothes, swim suits, sunscreen, road games, deck of cards for evenings (or flash cards), DVDs, travelers size shampoo/conditioner/soaps/toothbrushes/t...

Then throughout the week I throw in anything extra I think I might need.

I have a bag I put snacks for the road in. Fruit roll ups. crackers, gold fish crackers, gum.. etc.

Then 2 nights before I pick out 2 sets of clothes for the kids. The outfit they will wear the next day and the day of the trip. Then I pack all outfits for vacation. 1 pair of pants or jeans, 1 or 2 pullover shirts for evenings, 1 or 2 *nice* outfits then casual clothes.

Good Luck!