Packing Panic: Surviving Vacation Prep with Executive Function Skills, Humor and Sunscreen

-

Ah, Spring Break! The sweet siren call of vacation beckons, and guess what? We’re headed to HAWAII! Yep, you read that right. Hawaii, with kids in tow. Now, before you raise an eyebrow and think, "Who takes their kids to Hawaii?" let me explain. I'm a history teacher and my son? Well, he's a history buff, especially when it comes to Pearl Harbor and WWII. So, what's a parent to do when they're off to Pearl Harbor? Take the mini history buff along for the ride, of course! Lucky for my husband, he gets to be part of this adventure too.

Now, as thrilled as I am about the impending paradise excursion, I must admit to a little procrastination in the packing department. Don't get me wrong, planning the trip itself is a breeze. But packing? It's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. I either end up stuffing my suitcase to the brim or staring at it wondering if I've forgotten my toothbrush. So, in the spirit of solidarity (and sanity), I've decided to share some executive functioning hacks to tackle this formidable task. Let's dive in, shall we?

Organize Your Thinking and Ask Yourself Some Important Questions:

First things first, we need to engage our brains and ask the right questions. Where are we going? What's the weather like? How long will we be gone? Do I need my passport? And most importantly... did I pack sunscreen? (Spoiler alert: don't forget the sunscreen!

 Here's a list of questions you might ask yourself when packing for vacation:

  • Where am I going? (Location, climate, activities)
  • What is the weather forecast for the duration of my trip?
  • How long will I be gone?
  • Do I need any specific documents or identification? (Passport, visa, driver's license, etc.)
  • What are the essential toiletries and personal care items I need?
  • What clothing items are suitable for the activities I have planned?
  • What electronics and chargers do I need? (Phone, camera, laptop, etc.)
  • Do I need any medications or first aid supplies?
  • What snacks or food items do I want to bring for the journey?
  • Have I packed any entertainment items for downtime? (Books, games, etc.)
  • Have I double-checked my packing list to ensure I haven't forgotten anything important?
  • Sunscreen! Just remember to pack it!!!
This list is not exhausted, but it is a place to start.

Create a Packing Checklist:
Ah, the humble checklist, a savior in the chaotic world of packing. Start listing all the essentials from clothing to toiletries to travel documents. It's like playing Tetris with your belongings but without the frustration of that one stubborn block.

Here are some suggestions to possibly help you create your packing list:

Clothing: 

  • T-shirts/tops, Pants/shorts, Dresses/skirts, Underwear, Socks, Pajamas, Swimwear, Jacket/sweater(depending on the destination's climate)


Shoes:

  • Tennis shoes/walking shoes, Sandals/flip-flops, Dress shoes (if necessary)


Accessories: 

  • Sunglasses, Watch, Jewelry, Hat, Belt


Toiletries: 

  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash/Soap, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Deodorant, Razor, Hairbrush/Comb, Hair Styling Products, Feminine hygiene products, Nail clippers, Nail File, Makeup, Contact Lenses/Solution/Glasses, Medications, and Prescriptions


Electronics:

  • Phone, Charging Cords, Portable Power Bank, Headphones/earbuds, Laptop/Tablet


Travel Documents:

  • Passport/ID, Travel insurance documents, Flight/train/bus tickets, Hotel reservations, Maps/directions


Miscellaneous:

  • Money, Credit Cards Backpack/daypack, Travel pillow, Snacks, Water bottle, Laundry bag, Ziplock bags (for storing snacks, liquids, etc.), Entertainment (books, magazines, playing cards, etc.), Any specific items related to your destination or planned activities (e.g., snorkel gear for a beach trip, hiking boots for a nature excursion, etc.)


Remember to adjust the list based on your destination, planned activities, and personal needs/preferences.


Now It's Time to Start Packing!!!

Cue the dramatic music. It's time to tackle the mountain of clothes and toiletries that have been staring you down. Remember, roll, don't fold! It saves space and keeps wrinkles at bay. Plus, you'll feel like a packing ninja as you stuff your socks into your shoes for extra space.


  • To pack your clothes:

  • Lay out all the clothes you plan to take.

  • Choose versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.

  • Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

  • Pack according to the weather forecast, including layers for varying temperatures.

  • Don't forget underwear, socks, pajamas, and any specialized clothing for activities.


  • Organize Toiletries:

  • Gather travel-sized toiletries or transfer liquids into travel-sized containers to comply with TSA regulations.

  • Pack toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, skincare products, and any medications.

  • Remember to include items like a razor, comb or brush, sunscreen, and any other personal care items.


  • Pack Electronics:

  • Bring necessary electronics such as phone, laptop, tablet, camera, chargers, power banks, and headphones.

  • Consider packing adapters or converters if traveling internationally.


  • Secure Valuables:

  • Let's talk about keeping your precious valuables safe. No, I'm not talking about burying them in the backyard (although, that's an option too). Invest in a sturdy travel wallet or find a secret compartment in your luggage to stash your cash, cards, and that heirloom necklace Aunt Mildred gave you.


  • Prepare Travel Comfort Items:

  • Last but not least, don't forget to pack your comfort arsenal. A travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs can turn a cramped airplane seat into a cozy cocoon of bliss. And snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Because let's face it, no journey is complete without a stash of emergency chocolate.


So, there you have it, folks. Packing for vacation doesn't have to be a hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing experience. With a little bit of organization and a whole lot of sunscreen, you'll be ready to conquer paradise in no time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a suitcase to tackle. Hawaii, here we come! 🌴✈️




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Are These Fancy Executive Functioning Skills Anyway?

-
Image
Executive Functioning Skills (EFS) are like the bossy bosses in our brains that help us get things done without losing our minds. Imagine them as the secret agents making sure you don't forget your keys or wear your shirt inside out. These skills include planning (the mastermind), organization (the neat freak), time management (the clock whisperer), metacognition (the thinker), working memory (the memory wizard), self-control (the superhero), attention (the focus guru), flexibility (the adaptability champ), and perseverance (the never-give-up trooper). Decoding the Brilliance of Each EF Skill Planning: It's like creating a game plan before you dive into something, making a checklist so you don't end up painting your cat instead of the fence. Organization: Think of it as your brain's Marie Kondo, keeping things tidy and making sure you don't lose your homework under a pile of socks. Task Initiation: The art of not procrastinating, especially when faced with dreade...
Read more

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

-
Image
Hey everyone, and welcome to my little corner of the internet – where we're all about making education, ADHD, and Executive Functioning a breeze (well, as breezy as they can be)! I've been rocking the classroom for over 23 years, teaching Social Studies to some seriously awesome middle schoolers at an AWESOME Central Ohio middle School. But wait, there's more! When the school day ends, I switch gears and become an Executive Function Coach, helping students and families conquer the chaos and master the art of getting stuff done. But let me rewind a bit. My journey into the world of ADHD and Executive Functioning started with a little family adventure. Yep, you guessed it – my own kiddo hit some speed bumps along the way. Cue the learning curve! Through all the ups and downs, I've gained some serious insights into what it's like to navigate ADHD and Executive Functioning hurdles. Now, here's where the fun kicks in. I've made it my mission to dive headfirst int...
Read more

Assessing Executive Function Skills

-
Image
Assessing executive abilities in both yourself and your child is an important exercise that offers insights into shared strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas where differences may arise. Executive skills are essential cognitive capabilities that encompass planning, organizing, time management, sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and more. There are numerous free assessments available online to evaluate your Executive Function strengths and weaknesses. Here are a couple of assessments that I find valuable. They all are created by Dr. Peg Dawson and Dr. Richard Guare, esteemed authors of the book Smart But Scattered . I highly recommend exploring this book, as it is a fantastic resource for understanding and improving executive function skills. Remember, even the most organized among us could use a little help navigating the chaos of life! Executive Skills Questionnaire - This one is geared towards adults.  Executive Skills Questionnaire Teachers/P...
Read more