In some places, school has already started and in other places, school will begin in the next week or two. Are you organized and ready for your child to go back to school? Are your kids organized and ready? Is your college student ready? It is never too late to implement new organizing strategies so even if school has already started in your neighborhood, you may want to implement some of these 10-back-to-school organizing tips.
10-tips to set your child(ren) up for success this school year:
- Use a family calendar that works for you and your family. It can be electronic, an app, or the old-fashioned paper kind. The key is that everyone knows where it is, can update it regularly, and can see at a glance what is on the schedule for everyone in the family.
- Create a space in your home/dorm room that is conducive to studying and homework.
- Plan meals and snacks that are healthy and boost brain power. A brain loaded up on sugar and caffeine does not function at its highest level. Think ahead and make sure healthy options are available for your kids. Healthy eating does not have to be hard.
- You may not realize just how impacted the family is by transitions. Whether it is back-to-school alarm clocks, packing lunches at 7 AM, or returning to an empty-nest status, the end of summer creates transitions. Acknowledge this and make adjustments.
- Be a good role model. If you want your children to pick up after themselves, you have to do the same.
- Ensure your child(ren) have what they need to succeed in school, and this includes having enough time! Do not over schedule your kids’ activities. If you want your children to get a good education, you have to give them the time they need to study.
- Let your child(ren) experience consequences, both good and bad. I am amazed at the number of parents that say, “We have a report due.” Note to parents: It is not YOUR term paper or report, and if you are staying up until midnight writing a term paper for your child, you are not allowing your child to experience consequences. None of us wants our children to fail, but sometimes, missing that one deadline is enough to get their attention. Learning how to manage time well is a valuable life lesson.
- Eat together as a family whenever possible. Life is moving very quickly these days and providing a routine and some stability around family time can be very beneficial for bonding and communication. Calendar it if you have to.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep. We all know the challenges that come with tired children.
- Praise loudly, correct quietly. Talk about and highlight those shining moments. When correction needs to happen, do it in a constructive and loving manner. This may not be an organizing tip, but it is too important not to share.
To work with Simple Organized Solutions on any organizational challenge, call (480) 382-1085 or click here . We provide virtual coaching as well as 1:1 organizing so no more excuses, call today and let us turn your “chaos into calm.”