Teach the kids by asking them questions. Are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's house? What do we do when we are there? What will we need? Get them to start thinking about the trip.
Tell the kids what the planned activities are: dinner at a fancy restaurant or a family reunion at the local state park. Ask the kids more questions about what they will need for these specific events.
Allow the kids to pick out their own weekend bag. Let them choose a suitcase, a duffel bag or a favorite backpack.
Have kids age 3 and under retrieve the items they need to pack. Ask them where something is and see if they can find it and help place it in their weekend bag. Make it a game while they learn and you teach.
Let kids age 4 to 7 do the same as the younger ones. They can also pack the bag by themselves. The more they do it, the more they remember. Check their bags as they go.
Suggest to the 8 to 12 age group what they may need for the weekend trip and let them pack for themselves. They are old enough to be responsible for their own packing. They do need help remembering what to bring, particularly hygiene items.
Give teenagers the freedom to pack for themselves. They must follow house rules (for example, no see-through garments or underwear showing). Give them the agenda and trust that they will do the right thing.
Check that everyone has required hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste, clean underwear for each day and necessary medications. If the child forgets something, don't sweat it, unless she is the bridesmaid in your cousin's wedding and forgot the dress.
