My family is about to hit the road for most of the summer:  kids are heading to Grandma’s house for a few weeks, and they’re also taking a mission to Mars at Space Camp.  Throw in a couple of family vacations, and that’s a lot of packing!  How do you get them to help?  Try these tips.

Photo via deliciousbaby.com

Make a list. The trick with kids is being very specific.  Don’t say, “Pack your toiletries.”  Instead, write on the list, “Pack your blue toothbrush and pink hairbrush.”  Although generating the list is a lot of work at first, you’ll reuse it for every trip.

Break out the label maker. My older daughter, Zoe, has been having a ball making labels for all of her stuff.  Why kids are obsessed with making labels, I’ll never know, but take my word for it when I say that they will get with the program if you let them punch and peel.

Think matchy-matchy. My kids are usually into a more . . . freeform kind of style, but I can promise you that playing it loose will not work when you’re traveling to far and wide places – you’ll end up buying shorts at Target before you can say, “Go.”  What’s more, kids don’t know what you mean when you say, “Pack shorts and shirts.”  On the list, write, “Pack your pink shorts and white T-shirt.”  Repeat with other colors.  Add a notation for twice as many undies and bathing suits than they can possibly wear.  Throw in a pair of colorful Crocs, and you’re all set.  You will now not end up with only pajama tops and a parka when you reach Orlando.

Don’t forget the lovey. Even though my kids are now 9 and 10, they still don’t sleep well without Piggy (Zoe) and Purple Monkey Blankie (Abby).  Before you leave the house, ask the kids about one million times, “Do you have your _____ (fill in the blank)?”  When you’re buckled in the car, ask one more time – I can promise that at least one kid will need to run back inside for said item. It’s a great lesson in packing your own stuff – you can’t leave your best friend behind. (Postscript:  Ask the same question before you leave your destination to head home.  Abby lost her baby blanket in a hotel bed years ago – not a fun week to follow).