No longer the family packhorse

[CrocsNotDocs]

Every year we fly to the in-laws for Christmas (this could be its own thread).

Every year I make my declaration in writing pre-flight via text to DH and DC x3

”This is my annual declaration that no-one is putting anything into my carry on backpack. This includes but is not limited to - car keys, iPad chargers, water bottles, tissues, packets of lollies (which will be binned), stuffed toys and anything that starts with, “Mum, can you hold this for me”.

DH used to be the worst- he would never carry a bag and would happily load me up with his keys, chargers, tissues and multiple free mini water bottles and biscuits he would grab at the airport lounge. My boundary has forced him to take his own backpack. Funnily enough he doesn’t grab all the free stuff now he has to carry it himself.

I am aware this is all very petty but it’s a great boundary and I recommend it.

Take a bag in your bag, hand out as necessary! Personally I don't mind being the packhorse my mum was yhe packhorse for me so i kind of like it! 😀

I bought my whole family the Quechua rucksacks from decathlon.

I also have form for eating anything that I have to look after.

It’s not petty. My father (82j is diabetic and has to carry emergency food, insulin etc with him. As he refuses to carry a bag, my mother (79j appears to think it’s her job to carry around a banana, biscuits, Lucozade, his insulin kit etc.

Anyone big enough to have an iPad charger is big enough to wear a rucksack

Meanwhile at the other end... took S1 to choir practice last night and afterwards he needed to put books into a bag ("I should have thought of that and brought my rucksack"). I have room in mine so put them in, theatrically sighing over the extra weight, then while I was putting my coat on S1 picked up my rucksack and he carried it home!💖