You can buy pre-filled first aid kits, and you can also buy empty first aid kit containers.  But you almost certainly already have a perfectly good first aid kit container in your home.  One good option is a large, translucent, water-resistant, rigid or flexible plastic container with either a zipper closure or a latch-top lid.  This makes the materials inside visible for easy identification. For a larger first aid kit with more items inside, a backpack or small duffel bag can suffice Lunchboxes are also another good option.  Basically, if it is roomy, easily-accessible, portable, and at least somewhat water resistant, it can make a decent first aid kit container. It should be easy to transport as needed to the emergency, so a handle is ideal. You'll also want to be able to separate items by type within the kit so you can find them easily.  Labeled zip-close bags are a good option for a non-rigid container especially.  For a lunchbox or other rigid container, look for smaller, clear plastic containers like those available for crafting supplies, or even disposable food storage containers with snap-on lids. Regardless of your container choice, clearly identify it — for instance, by writing “FIRST AID” with a permanent marker in multiple locations. When your child is crying about a "boo-boo" on her knee, you don't want your home kit buried on the back of a closet or lost because it's not being returned to the same spot after each use.  Establish a clearly-defined, consistent spot for your first aid kit, on a visible / accessible linen closet shelf, for instance, and inform everyone in your home of its location. Let small children know where the kit is located, but place it where they cannot access it. Make sure everyone in your home who is old enough to understand the function of a first aid kit knows its location and when to retrieve it.  For younger children who shouldn’t yet try to use the items in the kit, teach them where it is located, so they could show a visitor, relative, babysitter, etc.  But place the kit in a location where small children can not access it, such as on a high shelf. For older children and adults, instruct them on when to retrieve the kit and how to use the various items in it.  Use a first aid instruction booklet, like those available from the American Red Cross, for guidance and place a booklet in the kit for reference. No one wants to fetch a first aid kit and find the bandage box empty or the pain relievers expired.  Keep track of supply amounts and expiration dates regularly. You’ve probably heard that you should check / replace the batteries in your smoke detectors when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends in the Spring and Fall.  This would also be a good opportunity to check the status of your first aid kit and restock it as needed. Drawing from the suggestions made in Part 2 of this article, stock your first aid kit and record every item on a sheet of paper you can keep it in the kit.  Record amounts (10 small bandages, for example) and expiration dates (for medications or ointments) next to the listed items on the checklist you include in your kit. You want anyone who retrieves the kit to immediately know what it includes and does not include, and that items are ready-to-use.
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One-sentence summary -- Pick a good container. Make your kit safely accessible. Teach your family about the kit. Keep your kit up-to-date. Create a checklist to include with the kit.


Do you feel disrespected or used by someone?  Maybe they have been asking you for many favors without giving back in return?  Understand that you deserve respect of your time, money, and efforts.  Be realistic that one person can only do so much.   Figure out if the person who's using you is proving mutual respect and kindness in return. If the situation feels one-sided, in which you're doing all the work, then understand that kind and respectful people wouldn't do that to you. For example, let's say a friend of yours always asks to borrow your stuff, and they never return it.  Maybe they just come up with excuses, time and time again, when you ask for your stuff back. Some people are opportunists and will manipulate a situation to their advantage. Set your expectations for yourself higher.  Believe that your needs are equal to anyone else's.  You may feel like you want to please other people, but if your actions are consuming all your time, money, and resources then it's only hurting you.   You deserve to have your needs met.  You deserve to be loved, cared for, and appreciated. Explain to others that you have certain limits in your time, money, and resources.  Be strong that those who respect you won't try to guilt-trip you. For example, tell someone, "I'm sorry but you asked to borrow my phone multiple times, and I'd rather not give it this time.  Please respect that." Good people won't make you feel guilty about saying "no" on occasion.  If you provide a clear reason, then they are more likely to understand and back off from bothering you further.  For example, let's say one of your siblings wants to go to a concert this weekend, but has a bunch of chores to do before that.  Your sibling asks you to help out. Consider responding, "No, sorry I can't help out."  Even if they say you've got time or aren't as busy, tell them, "Sorry, I'd like to be able to relax too, and I completed my chores." Say "no" when it's clear that someone else is trying to get out of doing something they don't want to do. While it's important to be helpful to those who genuinely need help, avoid being sucked into activities, work, or chores that you dislike. In speaking up for yourself, it's important to be clear, concise, and friendly.  Understand that you don't have to do everything someone asks in order to be their friend. Be clear and concise about what you can and can't do for someone.  Be kind in the way that you decline to help.  Be calm and friendly.  It's important to be nice without having to agree to whatever they say. Consider offering alternatives for them to consider. They may have not thought of other ways to get what they need. Be clear that you have limits to what you can and want to do.  For example, let's say you and your friends are planning a party, and every time they assign you to bring refreshments.  Consider saying, "I did that last time, and the time before that.  I'd like to bring some desserts instead."
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One-sentence summary --
Evaluate if you are being respected. Focus on your needs. Learn to say "no" without feeling guilty. Be kind but direct.