I guess I should have clarified what I was thinking. For the kids at most I was thinking about snacks, drinks comfort items and maybe a change of clothes. "okay honey, I know you're only five, but I really need you to carry the family tent and the backup generator." <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Because I know if it's anything but things she really wanted, she'd leave it behind. Maybe a few more items though. My kids are pretty smart, and I'd like to leave them with some items (poncho, heatsheet, etc.) in case they were separated. Training and lots of practice on how to use them of course.
I think part of this thinking is the fact that my parents did too much for me when I was growing up. I'd like my children to learn to be responsible for themselves and their things and I think that they are old enough to start, mind you I said start, learning that responsibility. Of course there's balancing empowering kids to be independent yet providing a safe and nurturing environment so they feel secure in exploring and testing their boundries without fear of rejection...maybe I should have gone into psychology? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Plus, being the parent of a pre-schooler DOES qualify you of at least somewhat being an expert <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />