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We are gearing up for a long weekend trip away and out of the Phoenix heat! As always, we are super excited to travel and get on the road, but first….packing.
I know that most moms (and dads too!) really hate packing and often put it off until the very last minute. (Anyone up until 2am or rushing around minutes before you jump in the car? Just me? I didn’t think so…)
To make things a little easier both pre-trip and while away, we have the kiddos help us pack. I know what you are thinking. “Packing with my kids help will make this worse than it already is!” or “Packing already takes a really long time, and now it will take LONGER!”
We have been enlisting the help of our kiddos for quite some time and wanted to share what works for us.
Our kids are still of the ages that they love to help. I figure that I should DEFINITELY take advantage of that as long as I can!
We started out by giving them a packing assignment. For example, “Get two dresses and two pairs of panties and put them on your bed.” We also would let them pick the pillow and blanket they want to bring on a trip–whether a road trip or a flight–and the toy/fun items they want to bring. We usually tell them they can pick three items to bring with them and everything counts. Stuffed animal? Barbie? Coloring book with crayons? Journal? Toy motorcycle? Yep, they all count as one thing so picking three is sometimes tough. However, this process lets us make sure that there are not too many toys on any trip, that everyone is happy with what fun items they have on the trip, and allows the kids to feel involved.
Recently, we started using packing lists. Designed for the non-reader, our four-year-old gets the Preschooler Packing List. This packing list has pictures and check boxes.
Our six and seven-year-olds get the School Age Packing List. This packing list has a larger number of items, words instead of pictures, but still has the easy check box format.
And then there is the Ultimate Family Packing Guide that includes EVERYTHING for EVERYONE…this one is for mom and dad to make sure we don’t forget a thing!
The packing lists really allow the kiddos to get all the items on the list ready with very little help. They feel confident and proud that they were able to help with the big family trip, the lists get mom and dad a jump start on packing, and the choice makes sure the kiddos have at least some outfits they want on the trip. The lists don’t include everything a kiddo will need, but they give packing a jump start. What parent doesn’t need that!?!
We would love to hear if you try the packing lists and if they work for you! Happy travels!
this is an amazing idea!!
Thank you! They ask for their checklists for every trip now and it saves me SO. MUCH. TIME!