If your tween will travel by air at some point in the future, you may want to consider the items to pack in his or her carry on bag. It doesn't matter if your child is headed on a family vacation, or on a trip to visit relatives, tweens need a distraction or two, especially on long flights, or if a flight is delayed. Be sure you don't overload your child's carry on bag, unless of course, you want to carry it around the airport. It's also a good idea to check with the airline ahead of time, to make sure you don't pack any items that aren't allowed on planes, and will likely be confiscated by security.
Below are a few items you may want to consider putting in your child's carry on bag.
What to Pack in Your Tween's Carry On Bag
Ipod (fully charged)
Portable DVD player (fully charged)
DVDs
Nintendo DS or DSi (fully charged)
Digital camera
Chapstick
A small snack
A notebook and pen or pencil
Deck of cards
Colored pencils
Magazine
A change of clothes and underwear
Travel game or a small magnetic game
Magic 8 Ball
Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
Stickers
Gum or mints
Small piece of fruit
A book
Suduku or a crossword puzzle book
Retainer or bands (if your child needs them for braces)
Small contact lenses case (if you child wears them)
Eyeglasses (if your child wears them)
Sunglasses
Other Concerns Regarding Your Tween's Carry On Bag
Be sure the bag doesn't exceed 45 inches (length + width + height)
Liquids may not pass through security, so pack shampoo and other liquid products in checked baggage