Get Those Children Organized | Family Economics

By Trisha

It is back to school and back to schedules in my home which also means time to get those children organized with my mommy school survival tips.

Label, Label, Label - Label all of your children’s belongings - School supplies, back packs, lunch boxes, ,water bottles, jackets, sweat shirts, shoes, clothing, etc. It will make it easier for them to identify their belongings when lost or mixed up with another child’s.

Change Needed - Often children need change (coins) during the school year whether it’s for ice cream day, an extra milk at lunch or some other reason. To keep your children’s change from getting lost in the bottom of their backpack or pants pocket, use a 35 MM film canister to hold the change that can be placed in their lunchboxes or backpacks. No more lost coins!

Snack Time – Stop the “I’m hungry” pleas with a “snack attack” bin. Stock up on healthy snacks and place them in a plastic storage bin that has a lid and handle for easy transporting. You can place your “snack attack” bin on the kitchen counter for those after school hunger pleas or take it on the go for after school activities.

Kid Car Kit – Create a kit that you keep in your car for those crazy mornings when everyone is running late Use a tote bag or bin and fill it with granola or sports bars, dried fruit, trail mix, water bottles, wet wipes, comb and brush, lunch money, sugar free gum or disposable tooth brush and pen and paper to write school notes. Now you are prepared for those late mornings.

Lay It Out - Each night before your children head off to bed have them choose what they would like to wear to school the next day. Lay it all out including undergarments. Don't forget to put the shoes by the front door.

Re-Pack It - Stop the frantic morning lunch packing and pack your children's lunches the night prior. When your children arrive home from school and the backpack unloading begins, teach them to also empty out their lunch boxes and refill with the items that will keep over night (juice boxes, chips, napkins, treats, etc). For refrigerated items, have them ready to go so all you have to do is place them in the lunch box in the morning. This means put those carrot sticks in a bag, have the yogurt cup ready to grab, etc. Pack as much as possible so all you have to do is make the sandwich in the morning (yes, you can make that ahead if you choose).

What is your mommy survival tip for getting your children organized?