Does this make me mean?

[Remudamom]

The triplets are going to a camp for only three days. They're 16. They can pack for themselves, can't they?

[Daisy]

Uh, yeah. My 10yo packs her own stuff when we are going on vacation.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Yes, they can. But you must let them suffer the consequences after they do. Don't go through their bags and add the clean underwear.

[Pegasus]

Yes, they should be able to pack for themselves! I have my DDs make a packing list and then I look it over to be sure they haven't left off anything vital. They can then pack from the list.

 

I still use a list for myself every single time I travel. I've never forgotten anything vital. On the other hand, my DH managed to forget underwear once on a weeklong trip. Good thing that Walmarts are easy to find!

 

Pegasus

[Jean in Newcastle]

They're out of luck here. Even my 8 year old packs for herself.

[FlockOfSillies]

All three of my bigs can pack for themselves. I do have them give me a "tour" of their bags before we go -- "We're only going for two nights. You don't need four pairs of pants." -- but that's it. Sheesh, they don't bother waiting around for mom. Usually they're chomping at the bit to pack and get going. "We're not leaving for another week! Enough already!" :lol:

[BlessedMom]

Not mean at all!

If this is their first time packing for themselves I would have them make a list of what they think they need to take. Then I would check it and make any suggestions and then have them check things off as they pack.

[Caitilin]

All mine except ds2 choose their own clothes, but I put them in bags to conserve space in an already tight vehicle. I don't see why yours can't do their own packing. :)

[3littlekeets]

Ha!Ha! I have a 7, 9, and 11 year old. They all pack for week-long vacations by themselves. I check for enough socks and undies with the seven year old, but that's it! :lol:.

 

We've traveled a great deal by now, so they know the routine. The 11 year old forgot his bathing suit last trip and ponied up the $15.00 for a new one, no questions or whining:001_smile:.

[OrganicAnn]

I would make a list of things they should take. Post it on the frig and tell them it is there if they want to refer to it. Done. The rest is their responsibility.

[MomOfOneFunOne]

My 11 year old makes sure I haven't forgotten anything.:blush: She started quite young when Daddy made her Responsible-Person-in Charge-of-Making-Sure-Mommy's-Contact-Lense-Soulution-Gets-Packed. She moved up from there to making sure everyone's swimmer gets packed. She definately does her own packing.

[MyThreeSons]

On the other hand, my DH managed to forget underwear once on a weeklong trip. Good thing that Walmarts are easy to find!

 

Yep -- the first day of our only family vacation, dh is in the bathroom at the motel and announces "I forgot my underwear." I thought he meant he didn't take clean underwear out of his suitcase when he went to take his shower. Thankfully, we were near a mall with a JCPenney store.

 

OTOH, 16yos did a fantastic job of packing for his 2 week summer session at college. His roommate just posted on his FB wall that ds left all of his dress clothes hanging in the closet. Luckily, roommate is there for a sports camp for another week, so I guess we can send him money and have him ship the clothes to ds.

[Remudamom]

They've packed before, but if they forget something this time they are sol. If they forget something when we go on vacation we could pick it up. Not this time.

[3littlekeets]

They've packed before, but if they forget something this time they are sol. If they forget something when we go on vacation we could pick it up. Not this time.

 

 

Can you give them a check list and have them check each other? ;)

[Jean in Newcastle]

At this age, I would have them make the checklist. Then check the checklist for them to make sure it is complete.

[vettechmomof2]

My 10 year old packed for herself to go to Diabetes camp, with all appropraite medications and labels and everything.

Def. not mean!

:lol:

[Carol in Cal.]

If I packed for her, she would be offended.

 

If she needs specific items, I ask to double check a packing list, but that's about it.

[Starr]

We can't wait for the report when they get back. :)

[fairfarmhand]

my 12 yo has been packing for herself for a couple years now. my 8 yo lays everything out on the bed for me to look over before she stows it in the bag.

[Truscifi]

My ds6 is currently learning how to pack. I'm helping him, going through how many outfits he needs, pjs, toiletries, etc. But I would certainly expect him to be doing it by himself in 10 years.

[Joker]

My 11 year old makes sure I haven't forgotten anything.:blush: She started quite young when Daddy made her Responsible-Person-in Charge-of-Making-Sure-Mommy's-Contact-Lense-Soulution-Gets-Packed. She moved up from there to making sure everyone's swimmer gets packed. She definately does her own packing.

 

This is my 10 year old dd. She is always asking if I have my purse, keys, etc. I once forgot my wallet at home and she hasn't allowed me to since. She definately packs by herself as does her 8 year old sister.

[annandatje]

When my children were younger (single digits), I provided them with a list and double checked their bag before leaving.

 

Since around 10 or so, they have been packing on their own without a pre-departure inspection.

[Remudamom]

I wouldn't dare pack for dd, it's the boys I'm wondering about.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I wouldn't dare pack for dd, it's the boys I'm wondering about.

 

Boys can do it too. Don't discriminate! ;)

[dansamy]

I make the packing list, but they are responsible to pack everything on the list and do a "touch inventory" to make sure it really is packed. Mine are: DS10, DD9, DS8. 16yos are certainly old enough!

[elegantlion]

My son has been packing himself since he was about 8.

[freetobeme]

you're not mean. :001_smile:

altho, i would probably make a list and check behind. my 12 yo has packed herself for 7 day camp since she was 8, but she always asks me to check behind her. that doesn't take long and then i know she has enough underwear and her toothbrush! :D

 

eta: i don't know what's up with the red angry face?! but i can't make it go away.

[abbeyej]

Yes, they should pack. If you *want* to help, ask *them* to make a list and then you go over it with them and ask questions about areas you deem...lacking. ;) But for heaven's sake don't write it *for* them! They're not 8! ;) Once they have a decent list, it's up to them to pack.

 

If they're missing something, they'll be likely to be more careful next time.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Boys can do it too. Don't discriminate! ;)

 

Remember we are equal opportunity mothers.

[Tap]

My dd11 has packed herself for at least 3 years. We go over a check list at the end but otherwise she does it all.

 

She also packs herself for vacation and any trips we take.

 

Same with ds15. They just took over the task without being asked. I think it was the excitement of the trip, but whatever their motivation was....it worked.

[mcconnellboys]

Yes, I think that would be good experience for them. No, you're not being mean at that age....

[Dayle in Guatemala]

My dds 13 and 15 have packed for themselves, from a list sent out for camp purposes, for 2 years now. The 15 year old for a few years now. I still help my 12yo ds because he would forget things like underwear, toothbrush, pants...:001_smile:

[Lolosoli]

Definitely!

 

My 14 year old packs for herself. I do however help her come up with a list though.

 

I do the same for myself and just did as well for my husband when he went on his camping trip. That way she can mark off the list or add to it!

[KidsHappen]

Our camp sends out a checklist which I then give to the children (they start camp at age 11) and tell them to check everything off as they put it in their luggage.

 

My hubby, on the other hand, refuses to make a checklist so even though I ask him about every item he needs when he travels he still manages to forget something.