There’s still time to get your family organized for a smooth transition to the school year. With just a little thoughtful planning you can get it together and keep it together for a great school year.
- Start shifting bedtimes and wake up times from summer schedule to school schedule so no one is surprised (and sleepy) on the first day.
- Stock the fridge and pantry with plenty of healthy grab-and-go snacks and lunchbox items. For smaller kids, put items on an easy-to-reach low shelf.
- Add a cubby by the front or back door for each child’s jacket and backpack to live. Having a place for everything makes keeping track of school items easier.
- Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer on the back of each kid’s bedroom door for school supplies.
- Clear a space on your bookshelf for school library books so they won’t get lost in your house and can be returned on time.
- Get an extra folder and label it IMPORTANT PAPERS. This is where your child can put school hand-outs, forms that need a parent’s signature, and notes to/from teachers. Make sure they understand the purpose of this folder and keep it in their backpack.
- Reinforce independence (and make your workload easier) by teaching children to “take care of their business” – layout tomorrow’s school clothes, make their own lunches, do their homework immediately after school and organize their backpack weekly.
