Real Solutions For Living...Three P's To Peaceful Mornings

Lost shoes, lost reports, and lost keys -- the clock seems to be running on double time in the mornings. As a mother of seven grown children, I know family mornings can be HECTIC. Since I survived and also since I am a Professional Organizer, here are some tips to ease the beginning of each day by working together . . .

CREATE A PLAN Get the family together over a dish of ice cream and BRAINSTORM for ideas to meet everyone's needs. Think about ways to make getting ready easier, to keep track of all those items that need to go with you to school or work, to stay on top of household chores, and to keep track of each family member's schedule. Listen to each person's input -- regardless of age or authority. You never know�the kindergartner's suggestion may be the best!

SET UP A ROUTINE Routines keep everyone calmer so, the night before . . .

PAPERS THAT NEED ACTION Place all papers that need to be SIGNED (including forms that need to be filled out) in a specific, designated area -- possibly a basket near the door that everyone comes in. Mom and Dad can make time each day to take care of each item in the basket, and then the papers are all ready to head out the door in the morning.

WHERE TO STORE IT ALL Have a system so each family member -- adults and children -- know WHERE their papers, school supplies, briefcase, work projects, etc. will be the each morning. For example, you may put reviewed homework and signed permission slips directly in your kids' bags, or they may be by their place at breakfast. You might set up a shelf or pegs by the door where each person's bag lives until it's time to leave. It is not so important what you do but that you do it consistently.

PURGE Simplifying your stuff makes it easier to simplify how you use your time. Sorting through their room is often overwhelming for children to do. So help young ones to go through their room and CLEAN OUT old school supplies, papers, and even toys that they don't need anymore. They will probably be willing to throw out many of last year's school papers. The ones they want to keep can be put into a sentimental box. Share old toys with the needy. This is also a good time of year for parents and children to organize their CLOSETS so that selecting clothes to wear will be easier. And Mom and Dad can even spend some time getting rid of unnecessary clutter throughout the rest of the house. Every little bit helps!

MAKING TIME FOR PRIORITIES Starting your day is more than just getting everyone out of our door and delivered safely to school or work. We want our family members to feel loved and to have time to listen to their stories. It is important to be able to give your kids and spouse a hug and smile as you part for the day. Allow some extra time for QUALITY time. The unexpected will happen -- but with good planning and simple organization, we can handle the unexpected without unnecessary difficulty.

Mary Pankiewicz is the owner of Clutter-free And Organized, a Professional Organizing business that assists children and adults to become more organized. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Speakers Association.

Article supplied by Online organizing.com.