Stress Free and Fun Kids Summer

Planning a stress-free summer at home for your kids can be fun, enriching, and affordable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a low-stress, high-fun summer your kids will remember:

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🎯 Step 1: Set the Summer Tone

• Create a flexible routine: Kids thrive on some structure. Design a simple daily schedule (not strict) that includes time for free play, learning, outdoor time, and rest.

• Balance quiet and active time: Alternate energetic activities with calm ones to keep energy balanced throughout the day.

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🗓️ Step 2: Weekly Themes for Variety

Give each week a fun theme to keep things fresh. Examples:

• Nature Week: Backyard scavenger hunt, bug observation, planting seeds.

• Water Week: Sprinklers, DIY splash pad, water balloon games.

• Science Week: Simple home experiments, like volcanoes or baking soda rockets.

• Art Week: Painting outside, tie-dye shirts, sidewalk chalk mural day.

• Around the World Week: Explore a different country each day via food, crafts, music.

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🧠 Step 3: Keep Their Minds Engaged

• Summer reading challenge: Create a reading chart or bingo.

• DIY “Camp at Home”: Pick a theme (e.g., “Camp Discovery”) and plan simple crafts, games, or nature activities around it.

• Screen time that teaches: Let them watch educational YouTube channels or apps like PBS Kids or Nat Geo Kids.

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🧩 Step 4: Create a Fun “Boredom Buster” Jar

Fill a jar with easy activities like:

• Build a fort with blankets

• Make a treasure hunt

• Create a puppet show

• Make homemade playdough

• Invent a board game
  Let kids draw an idea when they say “I’m bored.”

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🌳 Step 5: Maximize the Outdoors (even at home)

• Backyard camping (tent, flashlight stories, s’mores in the oven)

• DIY obstacle course

• Picnic in the yard

• Stargazing nights

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🧘 Step 6: Minimize Stress for You

• Prepare some go-to snacks and lunches ahead of time to avoid daily stress.

• Designate independent play time every day, even just 30–60 minutes.

• Keep expectations low: Not every day needs to be amazing — downtime is healthy!

• Let them be bored sometimes. It encourages creativity and problem-solving.

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🎉 Bonus: Sprinkle in Surprises

• “Yes Day” (within reason!)

• Popsicle party

• Water fight

• Backyard movie night

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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Out With the Old: Clearing Out School Clutter for a Stress-Free Summer

The last bell has rung, the backpacks are tossed in a corner, and just like that—school’s out for the summer. But before you dive into vacation mode, there's one task that can make a huge difference in how your family starts the summer: clearing out the school clutter.

That pile of papers, worn-out art projects, and broken pencils may not seem like a big deal, but over time it can become an overwhelming mess. Tidying up now creates space—both physical and mental—for a fresh, fun summer.

Here’s how to tackle the post-school clutter in a way that’s organized, low-stress, and maybe even a little fun.

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1. Dump Everything Out

Start by collecting every school-related item from backpacks, desks, and corners of the house. Empty lunchboxes (beware the mystery sandwich), check under beds, and gather everything in one central spot. This gives you a full picture of what you're dealing with.

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2. Sort Into Categories

Make quick, clear piles:

• Trash/Recycle: Crumpled papers, broken crayons, dried markers, and used notebooks.

• Keep: Awards, standout projects, or anything that sparks pride or joy.

• Donate: Unused school supplies that are still in good condition.

• Store for Reuse: Binders, folders, scissors, and other items that can be used again next year.

Let your child help decide what’s worth keeping—they’ll learn to reflect on their work and make choices about what matters.

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3. Create a Memory Box

Instead of keeping every worksheet and drawing, pick a few special items that capture the year. A decorated folder or a small storage box labeled with the grade and year can become a treasured keepsake. Add a class photo, a favorite writing assignment, or a silly note from a friend.

Tip: Snap photos of larger projects or art to keep the memory without taking up space.

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4. Clean and Refresh Gear

Take this opportunity to clean out lunchboxes, backpacks, and pencil cases. If they’re still in good shape, store them for fall. If not, now’s the time to responsibly toss or donate them.

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5. Prep for a Smooth Start Next Year

Set aside a drawer or bin for next year’s supplies, so you’re not scrambling in August. Keep an inventory so you don’t rebuy things you already have.

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6. Celebrate the Clean Slate

Once the clutter is gone, celebrate! Have a popsicle party, movie night, or just a high-five for a job well done. Starting summer with a clean, organized space helps kids (and parents) feel relaxed and ready for the fun ahead.

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Final Thought:
Decluttering after the school year isn’t just about tidiness—it’s a chance to reflect on growth, celebrate progress, and set the stage for the summer and the next school year. A little effort now leads to less stress later—and more room for summer memories.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

School is Starting Soon.....

 It's that time of year again.....           

Kids will be going back to school. A lot of parents are really happy!

But there is a lot of work to be done before the kids head back. Shopping for school supplies and new clothes. But before you do that - you should declutter & purge your kids backpack - where I'm sure you haven't looked since their last day of school in June!

Empty their backpack and check to see if any of their old supplies are still in good shape for this school year. If not - toss them. Also, toss out any old schoolwork and all of the crumpled papers and candy wrappers that are probably still in their bag. Check if their backpack is still in good, working condition.

Check the list of needed school supplies before you head into the store.

Next - and the most painful part - the kids clothes! Your kids have probably grown a bit over the summer. Go through all of their clothes in their closet and dresser. Yes, all of them. Make them try them on if you aren't sure if they fit or not. They will probably complain - but it will save you time and money later down the road when you need to get them more clothes. You want to avoid the "mom, my underwear doesn't fit" conversation as they are getting ready for school in the morning (after they told you that everything fit).

Make a list of what they need - from socks and underwear - to pants and shirts. Take them to the store with you (they will most likely hate it) and have them try on the clothes. This will save time later so that you don't have to return them (if they didn't go with you in the first place).

Once you get home, find a place for their school supplies, backpack and clothes. Make sure the kids know that it is their responsibility to put their things into their "homes". Kids of all ages - even kindergartners can learn to put things in their prioper place. Start them on their way to success by teaching them organizational skills.

After you have the kids all set for school - do something for yourself! This time of year is usually very  stressful for parents and you deserve to take a break and do something nice for yourself.

Enjoy the last bit of summer....

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Schools is Almost Out - Some Tips to Clear the Upcoming Clutter

School is almost out !!!! Only a few more weeks to go!

Kids will be cleaning out their lockers and bringing home a lot of  STUFF.  Stuff that you haven't seen in a year. Maybe even stuff that you didn't know that you were missing - like your Tupperware! Well - that is if you are lucky enough to get your Tuupperware back - instead of it having been "accidentally thrown out".

Kids will also be bringing home a lot of papers and other things that they find  in their lockers. Maybe even some clothes. If they are like most kids they will probably just dump it all in the hallway when they come home. And it will stay there for weeks.

So, before you get too far into the summer take some time to organize the mess. And if you can, make the kids help. It is their mess after all!

First, throw out all of the garbage.

Second, take back your Tupperware, dishes, silverware...

Third, grab those clothes and throw them in the laundry. After they are clean, decide if they still fit or might still fit by the start of the next school year. Otherwise, into the "donate pile" they go.

Fourth, go through their papers and decide which ones you want to keep (things such as art work or other papers you really want to keep). You might want to dispose of the other papers when the kids are not around. If you have a folder/box or notebook for each child you can put anything you want to save into their file (by grade). If there is any art work that you want to keep but is too big for your file box - you might want to take a picture of it instead of keeping the actual paper.

Fifth, any extra school supplies that can be used for the next year can be put away in a bag and you will have a head start on shopping for the next school year. Be sure to keep a list of what you already have so that you don't buy duplicates when you get the rest of their school supplies in late summer.

Sixth, check the condition of their backpack and lunch box and toss them or put them away for next year (after a thorough cleaning of course!).

Don't let the mess sit there all summer. You know what to expect - so get ready with a plan - clear it up right away and get on with your summer!

It will only be a few more weeks - until the chaos sets in! Start planning some activities now - to keep the kids busy throughout the summer - so that you too can enjoy the great weather!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

A great APP to help you get ORGANIZED!

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Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

School is About to Start - Get Organized!

Who wants to think about school starting in a few weeks?  No one - but if you go to the stores the school lists and school supplies are already lining the aisles. 

So - take advantage of the sales and get your school supplies out of the way now! You might also want to stock up on extra pencils and paper that will be needed during the school year. Avoid the crowds of last minute shoppers. Avoid the stress!

Why wait until the week before school starts or for some people the day before school starts, to get organized and ready for school?  Eliminate the stress by planning ahead!

If you are just starting to send your kids to school for the first time you should also think about the end of school - all of the pictures and projects that the kids will be bringing home over the next year. Think about how you want to organize everything and buy the appropriate tools now while you are buying everything else for school. This will save you a lot of time and money later.

There are many different options for organizing your kids papers and projects. A Pendaflex with space for each grade. A 3 ring binder, a file box.... Whatever works for you. By thinking about it ahead of time, your year will be a lot smoother.

Clothes:  Your kids will probably have grown over the summer. Go through their closets (yes, again - and tell them to stop growing already!). You might want to take the clothes they have outgrown to your favorite donation center (be sure to get a receipt for your taxes). Make a list of what clothes they have and what clothes you will need to buy. Keep an eye out for the sales, but please don't get carried away!  Buy only what's on your list.

Snacks for kids - you might also want to think about healthy snack options for the kids lunches and buy those while you are out shopping.

Get the shopping out of the way and enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Now is also the time to think about new routines for the school season.

Adjusting the kids bedtimes so that they get all of the recommended amount of sleep and are awake during school! Start adjusting their bedtimes now so they are used to going to bed earlier and getting up earlier.

Think about homework stations for the kids. Where will they drop all of the papers and things that they bring home from school? Where will they be doing their homework?

Do you have a system in place for keeping their important papers - such as papers that need to be signed and returned to school?

During the summer, mealtimes were probably more lax. Now is also the time to start thinking about scheduling during the school year and making time for healthy family meals.

Lots to think about! Start by shifting your mindset to school days and school hours. It'll be here before you know it!



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Schools Out and Stuff is Everywhere - Toss What You Don't Need and Organize the Rest

School is out for the summer!!!!  Kids will have cleaned out their lockers and brought home - well, lots of stuff! Maybe even stuff that you didn't know that you were missing - like your Tupperware!

They will also have brought home lots of papers and other things that they cleared out of their lockers. Maybe even some clothes. If they are like most kids they will probably have dumped it all in the hallway where they came in. And it's still probably there!

So before you get too far into the summer take some time to organize the mess. And if you can, make the kids help. It is their mess after all!

First, throw out all of the garbage.

Second, take back your Tupperware, dishes, silverware...

Third, grab those clothes and throw them in the laundry. After they are clean, decide if they still fit or might still fit by the start of the next school year. Otherwise, into the "donate pile" they go.

Fourth, go through their papers and decide which ones you want to keep (things such as art work or other papers you really want to keep). You might want to dispose of the other papers when the kids are not around. If you have a folder/box or notebook for each child you can put anything you want to save into their file (by grade). If there is any art work that you want to keep but is too big for your file box - you might to take a picture of it instead of keeping the actual paper.

Fifth, any extra school supplies that can be used for the next year can be put away in a bag and you will have a head start on shopping for the next school year. Be sure to keep a list of what you already have so that you don't buy duplicates when you get the rest of their school supplies.

Sixth, check the condition of their backpack and lunch box and toss it or put it away for next year (after a thorough cleaning of course!).

The mess is now gone and you can get on with our summer!

Have a great summer!


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Spring Break - Keeping Your Sanity When Your Kids Are Home

It's that time of the year!  Spring Break!  The kids love it - an entire week off of school and parents are pulling their hair out!

By stepping back and planning out the week you can get through it in one piece and with some sanity left!

First, take a look at some of the events and things that are available in your area. Depending on the age of your kids and what they can do with or without supervision - there should be a lot of things that can take up their time - and leave you with time for yourself.

Start by looking at all of the free things - like hiking and checking out some of the museums in your area that you never have time to go to. There are probably some programs at the YMCA or at the University that would be of interest to the kids.

Find another parent that you can swap with to take your kids for the day (or 1/2 day) - to give you time to yourself - for running your errands, shopping, or just having the day to yourself. Then it's her turn.

Ask the kids what types of things they want to do. Make them responsible for their own fun.

Plan out the week - like you would a job.  Morning for reading. Afternoon for a movie. Game day. Craft day. Hiking by the river. A family bike ride.

Look at your calendar - and write it all out. That way it's planned and the kids have something to look forward to.

Don't worry - the week will eventually end and your kids will return to their normal schedule. Not soon enough for most parents!

Have a great spring break!



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Eat Healthy - Cut Your Food Costs and Save Time

Everyone is so busy these days that many people forgo their health and think they are saving time by getting and eating fast or prepackaged food. They want everything done instantly.

The reality is that not only are you spending a lot more money than if you bought your own food and prepared it yourself - but - you are also neglecting your health. Everyone knows that "fast food" is not healthy. Calories, cholesterol and lack of nutritious vitamins. Everyone knows this - yet people try to justify it by saying that "they have no time and they need to feed their families a quick meal before they go to..." (whatever activity they have that day).

If you planned ahead - if you planned out your week and your meals - if you took a step back and realized that "yes - you can prepare a healthy meal for your family - in a short period of time" - you would realize that you are not saving time or money by buying fast food.

We are so ingrained into buying into everything that is advertised that we forget to think for ourselves.

Yes - fast food or prepackaged food can be a treat every once in a while. But it should not become the staple of our home.

By being organized and planning out your week and your meals - you can save time and money.

Start by making a schedule of your activities and putting it on a calendar.

Plan out your meals for the week and make a shopping list. The meals don't need to be fancy. On days when you have activities that you need to get to they can be as simple as grilled cheese and a salad. Or soup and a salad. But homemade food is less expensive. You have control over the ingredients and the quality of the food. By planning them out in advance you won't feel rushed during the week and you will feel better in giving your family a "home cooked" meal - as simple as it is.

By buying in bulk you will also save money. Look for sales and something that is in season and available locally that week. If something is in season and available locally - it will probably be less expensive. If it's not something that you planned on serving that week - be flexible and adjust your menu. You can save money by doing so.

When you get home from the store spend the extra time and divide your purchases into portions that you will use at one time. By buying in bulk and making your own individual bags of snacks for the week - instead of buying individually portioned items at the store - you will save a lot of money.

For example - by buying a big bag of carrots and peeling and cutting them yourself and putting them into individual bags for your lunch - you will spend a lot less money than if you bought prepackaged baby carrots.

Buying fruit and healthy snacks - instead of junk food - teaches your kids good nutrition.

Spending a half hour sorting and packing your bulk items into correctly portioned items for your family size - will save you money. But most importantly - you will have provided your family with healthier options.

Buying a weeks supply of meat and portioning out the amount you will use during one meal - and putting it into freezer bags or tupperware - will cut down on the time you will need to prepare that meal later during the week.

At dinner time it will be much easier to pull out the already portioned meat and vegetables and cook them - in a short period of time.

Or you can take the portioned out ingredients and toss them all into a crock pot - and have a delicious home cooked meal waiting for you when you come home. Fast food!

By being organized and planning out your week - you will save time and money. But most importantly - you will have provided your family a healthier eating option.



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Getting Your Kids Ready For School...and For Life

School is about to start. Have you thought about your school year routine yet?  Don't wait until the morning of the first day of school to come up with a plan. Start thinking about your first day now and get ready.

The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?".  If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.

Come up with a routine and get your kids involved. Let them know ahead of time what time they will have to get up in order to have plenty of time to get dressed, make their bed, eat a healthy breakfast and get all of their school things in their back packs and on their way.

By starting your kids on a routine and giving them responsibility for getting ready on time you have started them off on the right track to a successful life.

Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.

School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!

By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.

Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?

By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!

Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be in charge of themselves!

As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.

Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.

And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself".  I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.

If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons".  It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!

By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will  "Thank You" !

Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child


Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Getting Your Kids Ready for School ... and Life - in an Organized Manner

School is about to start. Have you thought about your school year routine yet?  Don't wait until the morning of the first day of school to come up with a plan. Start thinking about your first day now and get ready.

The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?".  If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.

Come up with a routine and get your kids involved. Let them know ahead of time what time they will have to get up in order to have plenty of time to get dressed, make their bed, eat a healthy breakfast and get all of their school things in their pack backs and on their way.

By starting your kids on a routine and giving them responsibility for getting ready on time you have started them off on the right track to success in life.

Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.

School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!

By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.

Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?

By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!

Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be in charge of themselves!

As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.

Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.

And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself".  I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.

If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons".  It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!

By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will  "Thank You" !

Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child


Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

End Of The School Year - Get Organized

The school year is almost over. As always - it seemed to come too quickly. The summer is looming before us and parents everywhere will be trying to come up with ideas on how to keep their kids busy over the long summer.

But before you start on your summer plans why don't you get through the piles of paperwork, books and other things that your kids will bring home from school.

Re-read  "Schools Out For The Summer" to get some ideas on how to get through the piles that will be dumped on your living room floor by your kids.

Start the summer off right by clearing our your kids school clutter - instead of just hiding it in the closet and dealing with it in August. You will be glad you did! 

Let your kids help in the organizing process. They are never too young to learn how to be organized!


http://professionalorganizer4u.blogspot.com/2014/05/schools-out-for-summer-almost.html

And now - let the summer begin!


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Schools Out For The Summer - Almost

School is about to end for most schools. Kids will be cleaning out their lockers and bringing home - well, lots of stuff! Maybe even stuff that you didn't know that you were missing - like Tupperware!

They will also be bringing home lots of papers and other things that they have cleared out of their lockers, maybe even some clothes. If they are like most kids they will probably just dump it all in the hallway where they came in. And drive you nuts in the process.

So before you get too far into the summer take some time to organize the mess. And if you can, make the kids help. It is their mess after all!

First, throw out all of the garbage.

Second, take back your Tupperware, dishes, silverware...

Third, grab those clothes and throw them in the laundry. After they are clean, decide if they still fit or might still fit by the start of the next school year. Otherwise, into the "donate pile" they go.

Fourth, go through their papers and decide which ones you want to keep (things such as Art work or other papers you really want to keep). You might want to dispose of the other papers when the kids are not around. If you have a folder/box or notebook for each child you can put anything you want to save into their file (by grade).

Fifth, any extra school supplies that can be used for the next year can be put away in a bag and you will have a head start on shopping for the next school year. Be sure to keep a list of what you already have so that you don't buy duplicate when you get the rest of their school supplies.

Sixth, check the condition of their backpack and lunch box and toss it or put it away for next year (after a thorough cleaning of course!).

The mess is now gone and you can get on with our summer!

Have a great summer!



Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

You Can Lead a Horse to Water....

I'm sure you've all heard the saying "You can lead a horse to water - but you can't make him drink".  Well - it's the same for organization. You can't make a person "get organized".  They have to be ready and willing.

I've heard a lot of rumblings lately about people's commitment to getting organized. And it's exactly that - "their" commitment. You can't force someone to want something - they may not really want or are not ready for.

This is very prevalent when it comes to spouses calling and wanting me to get their other half on board in getting them to "get with the program" and get their house organizedd.

It's not going to happen!  They have to be a "willing participant". Otherwise - it will cause a lot of other issues that have nothing to do with organization. 

Kids on the other hand - well - this isn't a parenting site - but if you don't have "expectations" for your kids - instead of  "excuses" - you will usually get the kids you created.


You have to teach your kids organizational skills - or you hire someone to do it for you. But - you still have to hold them responsible. You have to stop making excuses for them. When they grow up and go to work their boss will not care about their childhood - they want the work done. So don't set them up for failure. Teach them skills they can use forever.

The next excuse I usually hear is - "but I'm not organized - so I can't teach them the skills".  O.K. -  you've admitted that you don't have the skills necessary to teach them how to be more organized - just like I didn't have the skills to teach my child how to draw and be creative. That's why there are classes out there. Everyone sends their kids to soccer or baseball or dance classes - but when it comes to teaching them organizational skills - it never comes onto their radar.

Teaching kids and adults organizational skills is essential for their life. I've had clients that were not organized - but they wanted more for their kids - so I worked with them on teaching organizational skills - and they were like sponges - they loved learning.

You might not be able to convince your spouse/partner that they need to be organized - but you can teach your kids and start them on their way to a more organized life.

Lead by example - if not by doing it yourself - by acknowledging that you might not have the talent - but you know the value of learning.


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Organizing - A Family Affair

Having an organized home has so many benefits. Your home looks good, you can find things easily, you save money by not constantly buying things that you already have and you are less stressed.

But at what cost?  Having that organized home takes time. And with everyone being so busy, time is something that most people don't have a lot of.

So how do we get around this problem?  Family !

That's right - everyone has to help. Isn't that what family means?  Helping each other?

Maybe cleaning up each persons room is "their" responsibility - but all of the "shared" spaces - like the kitchen, living room and bathrooms - should also be a "shared" responsibility.

When you are sharing space - you need to share the work of keeping it organized (and clean).

Everyone should have a "spot" in the bathroom for "their" stuff.  Everyone should pick up after themselves.

Everyone should be taught to put away their dishes in the dishwasher (or assign kitchen tasks).

Everyone should help prepare meals (either prep work, cooking, setting the table or after dinner clean up).

The kitchen is always the center of the home. Cooking together does more than get the meals on the table faster - it's a time to bond.  Or as the kids say "date time" (yes, we have exciting dates). It's a time to talk and go over your day.

In the living room - after everyone is done reading their magazines or books or playing with their toys - put everything back where it belongs.

You bring it out - you put it away !   A great motto !

Having an organized and clean (or tidy) home is a family affair.  And it cuts down on the time it takes to get things done.

Get your family involved and take the stress off of just one person.  Teach your kids something they can use in adulthood.

Organizing - it isn't just for grownups!

Have a great and organized day !




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Organzing Your Childrens School Papers - Artwork Galore....

Kids come home from school with a lot of papers and artwork. All of which they are proud of and want you to keep - forever.

It doesn't matter if it's just a few scribbles on a piece of paper or a watercolor they think is a masterpice....they want you to keep it - forever.

Each piece of school work, each test....you just have to keep it - forever.

But the reality is....we don't have the space for it all. I try to sort through it and keep what I think are the really great ones - the ones that show their personality.

Each child has a folder and each day when things come home I pick the ones that go in my "keep" pile.

My husband...he thinks it's just a way for the teachers to get the stuff off of their desks!

Anyway....my "keep" pile ....was getting too big - so I had to sort through it - again. This time, I really had to toss just about everything (let's not tell the children).

It's near the end of the school year and I had a huge pile (a very neat pile - thank you). But I only have so much room and I got new containers for each child. So I had to make some very tough decisions and keep only a few pieces of art and notes that they have written.

The point is.... organizing is a continuous process.  It is always evolving. You sort and keep things that you love and have great memories of....and in the future....in a year or two or three.... you go through the process again and again and make further decisions to de-clutter and dispose of things that you now can comfortably get rid of.

Organizing isn't stagnant. It's a process. It changes as you change. Be comfortable with that thought.

Now....go out and make some hard decisions. You can do it!  



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Raising Organized Kids

School is now well underway. Everyone is getting settled into their daily routine.

The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?".  If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.

Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.

School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!

By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.

Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?

By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!

Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be....in charge of themselves!

As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.

Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.

And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself".  I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.

If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons".  It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!

By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will "Thank You"!

Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child


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Getting Ready For School

 Summer vacation is not over yet and you want us to think about getting ready for school?

Yes, I do! Why wait until the week before school starts or for some people the day before school starts, to get organzied and ready for school?  Eliminate the stress by planning ahead!

The schools will probably have a supply list out already. School sales start early so take advantage of them. Avoid the crowds of last minute shoppers. Avoid the stress!

If you are just starting to send your kids to school forthe first time you should also think about the end of school - all of the pictures and projects that the kids will be bringing home over the next year. Think about how you want to organize everything and buy the appropriate tools now while you are buying everything else for school. This will save you a lot of time and money later.

There are many different options for organizing your kids papers and projects. A Pendaflex with space for each grade. A 3 ring binder, a file box.... Whatever works for you. By thinking about it ahead of time your year will be a lot smoother.

Clothes:  Your kids will probably have grown over the summer. Go through their closets (yes, again - and tell them to stop growing already!). Make a list of what clothes they have and what clothes you will need to buy. Keep an eye out for the sales, but please don't get carried away!  Buy only what's on your list.

Let the kids help. Tell them to keep an eye out for the sales ans teach them to shop responsibly. It's never too early to start teaching them how to be organized!

Have a great school year !



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End of School Organizing

School is about to end for most schools. Kids will be cleaning out their lockers and bringing home - well, lots of stuff! Maybe even stuff that you didn't know that you were missing - like Tupperware!

They will also be bringing home lots of papers and other things that they have cleared out of their lockers, maybe even some clothes. If they are like most kids they will probably just dump it all in the hallway where they came in. And drive you nuts in the process.

So before you get too far into the summer take some time to organize the mess. And if you can, make the kids help. It is their mess after all!

First, throw out all of the garbage.

Second, take back your Tupperware, dishes, silverware...

Third, grab those clothes and throw them in the laundry. After they are clean, decide if they still fit or might still fit by the start of the next school year. Otherwise, into the "donate pile" they go.

Fourth, go through their papers and decide which ones you want to keep (things such as Art work or other papers you really want to keep). You might want to dispose of the other papers when the kids are not around. If you have a folder/box or notebook for each child you can put anything you want to save into their file (by grade).

Fifth, any extra school supplies that can be used for the next year can be put away in a bag and you will have a head start on shopping for the next school year. Be sure to keep a list of what you already have so that you don't buy duplicate when you get the rest of their school supplies.

Sixth, check the condition of their backpack and lunch box and toss it or put it away for next year (after a thorough cleaning of course!).

The mess is now gone and you can get on with our summer!

Have a great summer!



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Organizing Your Kids Summer Activities

Summertime, kids out of school, vacations are all fast approaching. You might think it’s far away, but your kids, believe me, they are thinking about summer vacations already.

If you are able to go away on vacation get your kids involved in planning it. Let them come up with some ideas on things to do. If they are old enough, put them in charge of planning the activities. This teaches them how much work is involved and also empowers them to make their vacation their own.

Let them come up with a list of things to pack. Make sure to look it over and make sure that it’s reasonable and that they did not miss anything. It also teaches them to work within restrictions – such as airline weight restrictions or car room restrictions. No, they can’t take every single toy on vacation.

If you are not going away on vacation you can still plan plenty of activities to keep your children occupied.

Let them help come up with a list of things that they want to see or do in your city. Museums, the zoo, the beach are all fun activities. They can also plan “day trips” to places a bit further away. From planning on what to pack for lunches and what they will see and do.

By letting them help plan these activities it gives them ownership of their own “fun” and makes them understand how much everyone counts on them for planning a great vacation or activity.

By involving your kids in the planning stages they will be more likely to enjoy their summer. And if they don’t come up with any ideas – oh well, I guess they will be bored! And it will be their own fault.

Empower your kids at a young age to help plan their summer and you will not only have happier children who think the plans were all “their idea” but you won’t have to come up with ideas all on your own that the kids will whine about.

Summer is not about keeping your kids busy….but it’s about teaching them valuable lessons that they can take with them as they grow up.

It’s never too early to teach your kids organizational skills. And they can have fun as they are learning.

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