Back to School Organizing
By Diane Hatcher, Timesavers Services

Each month in this column we explore a different aspect of organizing. Each aspect generally falls into one of three categories, either paper management, time management or clutter. Children can be taught organizing skills as well as adults and getting ready for the start of school is a great time to do this. The following tips fit into time management and paper management areas. As you read through them, you will realize that getting your child organized also helps you get more organized.

Establish routines - Children need consistency so establish routines. Lay clothes out the night before. Homework, baths and preparing lunches are best completed the night before. Have your child wake up at the same time each morning. He then uses the toilet, brushes his teeth, washes his face, gets dressed and eats breakfast (or whatever order you predetermine). Have your child follow the routine in the same order daily. Start practicing the routine about a week before school actually starts so it is familiar by the big day.

Purchase supplies - Many schools post a supply list in local stores or in the school office so your child can arrive at school prepared on the first day. Take advantage of this by purchasing supplies and uniforms in advance.

Review papers - Set up two “in-boxes” or spaces in your home. One is for your child to place his papers from school for parents to review or sign, and one is for the parents to place papers that need to be taken to school by the child. (A larger box can double as a place for book bags, lunches, and any other items that need to be taken to school). Each child should have his own “return to school ” tray. Clearly label the trays. For a younger child, pictures can replace written labels. Using the trays daily becomes a routine so your child learns responsibility and organizing skills.

Finish homework - Choose an area for a “homework station.” Stock it with a “homework essentials container” including all the supplies needed to complete homework. This may include pens, pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, tape or markers. If the workspace you choose is a community area such as the kitchen table, the container should be portable, making cleanup quick and easy. Assign a home for the container so everyone knows where it goes and where to find it. Make sure your child puts it away after each use thus establishing the habit.

Participate in activities - Many children take part in after school activities ranging from sports to music lessons. These activities may not always coincide with your “routine” hours since they vary from day to day. The way to compromise on this is to set guidelines stating that all homework must be done before going to practice or music class, or even out to play. Or, if the activity is directly after school, then bath, dinner and homework may be the order of the day. Of course there may be other activities you need to include, so the order you choose to have any of them done is up to you. Since you know your child’s needs best, be certain to make your plans around his energy level (i.e. generally not a good idea to leave homework until the last activity of the day).

Enjoy results - Start off using these tips for a smooth start to the beginning of the school year. You and your family will immediately benefit from the results of having an organized child.

A big thanks goes to Jane Cole, of Happy Home Organizing Solutions, a professional organizer and former teacher in the Orlando area, for collaborating with me on these powerful suggestions.

Diane Hatcher is a professional organizer, and owner of Timesavers Services in Cooper City. She can be reached at 954-252-7511, or at diane@timesaversusa.com.