AIBU to think a five year old should be responsible for their belongings?!!

[mumhas1syllable]

IE: quite simply taking their book bag and coat to the car in the morning and when I pick them up??
side note: long time lurker, first time poster - go easy on me MN's (wink)

I make mine carry their own stuff. All my friends seems to get stuff dumped on and they walk along like a pack horse. Children are perfectly capable of carrying their own bags.

However, I always remind them. My 5 year old often stand by the door while her bag is over by the stairs. I point it out to her. I'm only just starting to get 8 year old to pack his own bag. I just find it easier and I know he'll worry if something gets forgotten.

I'm glad I've read this thread actually. I didn't know whether I was being a bit precious by thinking our school are expecting too much from 5 year old. In my DCs school, the 5 year olds are expected to organise the changing of their own reading books. If they have read it, they are expected to put it in a certain place for changing. This can be done every day. However there is very much an air of 'you know what you need to do' from the staff and I think it's too much to expect 5 year old to do this. I now have to drum it into mine every morning that she needs to do this or the books don't get changed. We had 4 books in over 5 weeks whidbnis crap when DD rrads it as soon as she gets a new one, then we get left with it for ages. There is also a huge amount of confusion over spelling tests, what books need to be in what days, they do tests and reading on all different days. I am confused, never mind the 5 year old!

harrypottersmagicwand YES! I totally agree with this. DD is expected to the same with regards to reading books and unless I physically do it for her on the one precious (I love Mondays for this reason) day I get to drop her at school, she often puts it in the box to swap it but then forgets to bring it home!
Another worry is that they move to another class for different subjects. I personally think that is a bit much for Yr1 but then again, I also think eating chocolate for breakfast on your birthday is completely acceptable. lol.

lynniep that checklist is exactly like the one I gave to my mum when she was picking DD up from school!

My 5yo remembers everything except her bloody cardigan. Always. I have even considered sewing the back of the neck to her pinnifore.

It also makes no difference how magnificently organised I am. She definately didn't inherit those genes.

Ds1 (6) did exactly this today. Only realised the book bag with homework, reading book, water bottle and jumper wasn't in the car when we were already jumping out at school. We were only just on time as it was so my exasperated response was tough, should have been a bit more responsible, you'll have to do without and borrow a jumper from lost property if you're cold. He was OK with this actually and went happily to school.
( I then went home and got it and handed into reception but only because it does actually for this one day in the week have homework, reading book, jumper and water bottle. If it had been a warm Wednesday in summer he could have whistled for it )

I'd not only expect the coat and bag, but also the water bottle! I expected that when mine were age 4 and 5. In year 2, I expected them to start packing recorders, football/Zumba clothes/waterproofs etc the night before. Now age 7 and 10, they often remember things that I've forgotten. This has mostly come about because I need to pack my things for work and can't be arsed to do their stuff as well while DH conveniently leaves the house. They're not perfect, a lot of the time DS can be found playing in his room at 8am naked.

My son has always been responsible and he never lost any clothes or possessions in school ever. He's 12 now.
My DD is 9 and she's the total opposite. She'd forget her head .
So it depends on the child, I think