Real Solutions For Living...Organized for School?

Be it Kindergarten or College, now's the time to get those supplies and start preparing for that first day of classes.

Let's begin by addressing schedules. Everyone's been used to staying up later over the summer, but it's now time to bring that to an end. Start backing up that bedtime a little every other night until you've reached the bedtime you feel is appropriate. Waiting until the last minute will leave you with very cranky kids those first few days/week of school.

Next, prepare a homework area either in the child's room or elsewhere in the home. Ideally, this space should be away from all distractions, should be comfortable to work in, and be equipped with all necessary tools and materials to complete assignments (ex: calculator, pens, glue, etc.)

Designate a basket, bin, drawer, cabinet, or box in an accessible location (preferably in or near the homework location) for extra supplies that would be needed throughout the year. This will save on those late night trips to the store.

When it comes to school clothes, go through late Summer to Fall clothes for each child. Take inventory of the basics on hand as well as any items that will definitely be needed. This will give you guidance when you hit the stores. Concentrate now on clothes needed through the Fall.

Set up a "lunch packing" station in the kitchen. Place lunch boxes (or paper sacks), ziplock bags, appropriate snacks, bread, and other items for making lunches in this spot. Children can help put lunches together. Keeping "Mom approved items only" in the lunch preparation area insures that everyone is getting a good lunch packed each day, even if Mom didn't do the packing.

Last, but NOT LEAST, is designating a spot for incoming papers. Set up a tray, basket, file folders, or bins in a location near the backpack drop-off point. Make it the children's responsibility to take the day's papers out of their bag and into their tray/bin or whatever you've arranged for these papers to go into. Children need to, and can, learn that if a paper needs your signature, it's their responsibility to get it to the right place.