Dually Noted. Checklist!

My eldest daughter and I had a good time together last night while getting her all packed and ready for her 2-week winter vacation with her dad. I told her to create a checklist early in the day and she didn't want to do it. We had done this before; last year when she went to visit.

I found having a list as helpful. So I decided to create a list anyway since "Ms. Independent" supposedly had it all under control and refused to do it. My list proved itself necessary before we finished packing her luggage.

The list included 5 main categories: Undergarments, Season-Wear,  Sleep-Wear, Toiletries and Shoes. There were several other things that I did add to the checklist, which I thought "went without saying." I'm sure my daughter will be appreciative of my "OCD" tendencies when she gets settled with her dad.

She would have forgotten socks, her cellphone charger, amongst a number of "things" that I thought she had gathered. The bonding time between us was fun, but more importantly we both realized some "things." I was reminded just how very dependent my daughter really is. She realized it too.

Earlier in the day, I told her that I'd help her style her hair and she agreed. When she did comb her hair, she didn't ask for my help. I was a bit surprised. Only because I thought she was excited that I was willing to do it. This is a rarity. Combing hair is not my thing, but I do what I "can."

So I  almost trusted that she had herself covered. She's almost 14-years old. She knows what she needs for her trip, right? Right, but rarely do children double-check...

I'll credit efficiency to adulthood. Many teenagers do a fair job of being effective and on task in all areas of their lives. So many more excel with their parents continuous support. Whether our children recognize "it" or not!

STAY ON AND WITH THE CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES!!!