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Parenting Tips > Article
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILDREN AND HOME ORGANIZED
BEFORE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
By: Gary A. Kroll, Professional Organizer with The Organizer 4 You™, LLC
1. Bedrooms: De-clutter your children's bedrooms. Any clothes that no longer fit
can be used as hand-me-downs or donated and clothes that are torn or stained
should be thrown out. Any toys that are no longer used can be donated and toys
that are broken or do not work should be thrown out. It is best to include your
children in the de-cluttering process and organizing their rooms. This way they
feel important, understand why this is being done and can get in the habit of
maintaining their room. If they do their homework in the room, have an area for
their desk and supplies. Also, make sure there is proper lighting over their
desk.
2. Kitchen: If your children do their homework on the kitchen table, clear the
table of any other items so that they can focus only on their homework. Keep
school supplies in a bin or container in the pantry or cupboard. Also, make sure
there is proper lighting over the table.
3. Door: Have a place near the front or back door where your children leave and
enter from to keep their dirty shoes, backpacks and other items. Put up hooks to
hold their backpacks and coats. Shoes should be taken off and backpacks should
be unpacked when they enter the home. After they finish their homework, have
them put it in their backpack. Also, keep a basket near the door for them to put
things in that they need to take with them the next day.
4. Breakfast: Put bowls, plates, glasses, silverware and napkins on the table
the night before.
5. Lunch: Keep everything you need to make lunches in a bin or container in the
pantry or cupboard. Also, keep the lunch boxes next to it. Let your children
participate in making their lunches. This will teach them responsibility.
6. Lists: Make a list for each child of tasks to complete both in the morning
and in the afternoon/evening. The morning list could include make the bed, get
dressed, eat breakfast and brush teeth. The afternoon/evening list could include
do homework, practice their musical instrument, select the clothes that they
will wear the next day, get ready for bed and brush teeth.
7. Shopping: When you go to buy your children new clothes and supplies, take
them with you. If they are old enough, let them make the decision on what they
want. This way they feel important.
8. Parents: Make sure you keep your home de-cluttered of your things and
organized. This will set a good example for your children. This also will keep
them focused on what they need to do and organization will become second nature
to them. Discuss with your children the importance of having a clutter free and
organized home.
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