Give your kids baggage

Kids seem to possess a natural desire to explore the world, or at least mine do. Our family loves going on big adventures whether they are close to home, require hours of driving, or a trip on a plane, we try to seek out new places to experience all the time.

As we pack our bags for a new destination, we not only pack up things we need, we also bring along expectations about our trip, and a sense of common purpose: we prepare for the journey. When my mom suggested buying luggage for each of my boys for a present, I loved the idea. Our boys are old enough to pack their own bags and this would give them ownership in the trip preparation process.

I had no idea they would love their suitcases so much! Giving them their own luggage made me realize something: the preparation is a crucial part of the trip and the more I can involve my kids in it the more they learn about being a member of our family and how they can help. They love owning their own bags and not borrowing one from mom or dad. Although we travel far from home, their bag gives them a place to call their own.

Luggage also combines freedom with responsibility. Isn’t that what we want to teach our children? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to purchase a suitcase for your kids. They can be found in discount stores, online, and even used. The bags will be new to your children, so they won’t know the difference. If you’re stumped for a gift idea for a kid who seems to have everything, think of the gift of a suitcase. It’s more than just baggage; it holds inside an adventure waiting to happen!

Eileen Calandro is the Chief Mom Connector of Mom Central. You can read about other things she loves on her personal blog at calandroclan.com and connect with her on twitter at @MomCentralChat and @calandro5.

Eileen Calandro