So, the kids are back in school and the new school year is well underway. With all the activities that kids are involved in, it is often difficult to help them stay on top of homework, schedules, books, assignments and life in general.
A good way to keep your kids organized so they are ready to "grab and go" in the morning, is to create a "staging zone" in your home. A "staging zone" in the first place they put things when they get home at the end of a school day, and the last place they put them in the evening to be ready for the next day. I like to suggest someplace close to the door so it is easy to grab in a rush.
Each child should have a basket, bin or locker designated for their school items. When they come home they can put all the items they brought home in that space. They can then organize what they need to take out to complete any assignments for the next day, and organize what they will need to take for the next day. If additional items are necessary for special activities, these items can be placed in the bin for pick up the next school day.
Parents can also benefit from this system because they can look for notes that need signing, add lunches first thing in the morning, and check up on homework and other assignments.
The great benefit to this system is that when something unexpected happens and everyone is running late, a few minutes of preparation the night before will ensure that no one forgets anything.
Creating a system that helps your children stay organized will not only reduce their stress each morning, it will also help avoid any unexpected need for Mom or Dad to bring some forgotten, but totally necessary item at the first break. Helping your children be part of the system, teaches them how to stay organized all through their academic career.