Things You'll Need:
- Overnight bag
- Luggage or duffel bag
- Pen or pencil and paper
-
Step 1
Share the vacation plans with the kids early. Let them begin thinking about what they will need on the trip.
-
Step 2
Encourage the kids to start a list of needs for their weeklong trip. Younger ones will need a parent's help. Check the lists when complete.
-
Step 3
Make sure each kid has a large enough suitcase or duffel bag to pack. A smaller overnight bag for each child is also helpful. Help them choose a bag the child can carry when packed.
-
Step 4
Remind the kids, particularly the younger ones, how many nights a week is. Use this as an opportunity to review numbers 1 through 10 again. Teach them they need the same number of underwear as the number of days they will be on vacation.
-
Step 5
Tell them to pack for different weather conditions. They will not need wool pants and turtlenecks on the island, but they may when they return home or at a stopover in the Midwest.
-
Step 6
Ask the kids if they have a way to stay in touch with family or others while on their vacation. How will they contact Mom and Dad? What is the phone number? Do they know their email address? Do they have stamps and envelopes?
-
Step 7
Discuss how the kids will be traveling on their weeklong vacation. Will they travel by boat, plane or car? Encourage them to think about how much room there will be to carry their things.
-
Step 8
Let the older kids pack their own bags. Check for special event requirements only.
-
Step 9
Leave enough time for planning and many small kids may pack by themselves. While the teddy bear in a frog pack may not seem essential, they are showing signs of learning to pack.
-
Step 10
Remind the kids to pack their toothbrushes. It is never on the top of their list.
