How to Teach Kids How to Pack
Remember Why You Teach Children Packing Skills!, Pack Ahead of Time unless you have to, pack a few days ahead of time., Select Appropriate Luggage., Help Your Child Pack Your Bags., Help Your Child Get Packed., Bring Bedding, Etc., What Else is...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Remember Why You Teach Children Packing Skills!
Yes, it would be quicker and easier to just pack their things yourself.
But your child will never learn to prepare, organize, and think ahead unless you teach it.
This is a critical point: you will need to be patient and focus on the process as much as the actual packing. -
Step 2: Pack Ahead of Time unless you have to
This will help you be patient with a child's pace of doing things, and teach thinking ahead. , Help locate or buy appropriate travelling gear, whether it is a backpack, suitcase, duffel bag, or rolling luggage.
Remember that a child cannot carry more than 25%-30% of his or her body weight safely.
Avoid too many pieces of luggage: the more pieces, the more is easy to lose.
If you are flying in the United States, keep in mind checked baggage often incurs a fee. , An excellent place to start is to have your child help you pack.
You can model what you need, how to organize your items, and why.
Ask questions, such as, "If I want to go in the pool, what do I need to pack?" Have your child check on number of items: (If you are away four days, you'll need four pairs of boxers, for instance).
Help your child with skills like folding clothing, rolling socks, and zippering.
Have fun with it! A little silliness can drive important points home...for instance, you can't pack your entire sock drawer in your bag! Maybe you need to make some choices! , Now that you've helped model packing, your child can get set.
Ask guiding questions: "We're going to be where it's snowy this weekend.
What sweater will keep you warm?" "We will be gone a week.
So how many outfits do you need?" Set limits as appropriate.
Let your child have some independence and freedom.
However, that Batman Halloween costume is not appropriate for Cousin Jose's wedding.
Beyond clothes, consider toiletries: soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc. , Travelling means packing clothes, but it can also mean inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, sports equipment, camping gear, bicycles, and anything else that's necessary. , Children are easily bored on trips, and a little entertainment can go a long way.
It may be wise to have a small bag of travelling entertainments and comfort objects.
But keep a limit on things: too much become a bulky burden rather than something to do while waiting for the train. , In all likelihood, with your guidance, your child probably has done a decent job of packing.
But check that bag before you head out.
Children are unpredictable.
Your child might have decided suddenly, last minute, that instead of packing her best dress for going to Easter dinner, her bumblebee tap-dance costume would be better. , Travelling is fun but can also be stressful and this isn't the time to put your foot down about the ratty stuffed bunny. -
Step 3: pack a few days ahead of time.
-
Step 4: Select Appropriate Luggage.
-
Step 5: Help Your Child Pack Your Bags.
-
Step 6: Help Your Child Get Packed.
-
Step 7: Bring Bedding
-
Step 8: What Else is Going?
-
Step 9: Double-Check His or Her Packing.
-
Step 10: Remember the Comfort Object If your young child needs his or her blankie
-
Step 11: teddy bear
-
Step 12: or whatever helps him or her feel secure
-
Step 13: bring it.
Detailed Guide
Yes, it would be quicker and easier to just pack their things yourself.
But your child will never learn to prepare, organize, and think ahead unless you teach it.
This is a critical point: you will need to be patient and focus on the process as much as the actual packing.
This will help you be patient with a child's pace of doing things, and teach thinking ahead. , Help locate or buy appropriate travelling gear, whether it is a backpack, suitcase, duffel bag, or rolling luggage.
Remember that a child cannot carry more than 25%-30% of his or her body weight safely.
Avoid too many pieces of luggage: the more pieces, the more is easy to lose.
If you are flying in the United States, keep in mind checked baggage often incurs a fee. , An excellent place to start is to have your child help you pack.
You can model what you need, how to organize your items, and why.
Ask questions, such as, "If I want to go in the pool, what do I need to pack?" Have your child check on number of items: (If you are away four days, you'll need four pairs of boxers, for instance).
Help your child with skills like folding clothing, rolling socks, and zippering.
Have fun with it! A little silliness can drive important points home...for instance, you can't pack your entire sock drawer in your bag! Maybe you need to make some choices! , Now that you've helped model packing, your child can get set.
Ask guiding questions: "We're going to be where it's snowy this weekend.
What sweater will keep you warm?" "We will be gone a week.
So how many outfits do you need?" Set limits as appropriate.
Let your child have some independence and freedom.
However, that Batman Halloween costume is not appropriate for Cousin Jose's wedding.
Beyond clothes, consider toiletries: soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc. , Travelling means packing clothes, but it can also mean inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, sports equipment, camping gear, bicycles, and anything else that's necessary. , Children are easily bored on trips, and a little entertainment can go a long way.
It may be wise to have a small bag of travelling entertainments and comfort objects.
But keep a limit on things: too much become a bulky burden rather than something to do while waiting for the train. , In all likelihood, with your guidance, your child probably has done a decent job of packing.
But check that bag before you head out.
Children are unpredictable.
Your child might have decided suddenly, last minute, that instead of packing her best dress for going to Easter dinner, her bumblebee tap-dance costume would be better. , Travelling is fun but can also be stressful and this isn't the time to put your foot down about the ratty stuffed bunny.
About the Author
Judy Taylor
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow hobbies tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: