It's almost time for the kids to get back to school. Most parents are happy, kids, not so much.
But the end of summer vacation is drawing to a close and parents and kids have to get back to their reality. That means getting up on time, getting dressed in something other than shorts and t-shirts, having their backpack and homework plus all of their signed parent notes all together and in their backpack.
Sounds easy enough. Yet the usual scenario is more like chaos with stressed out parents yelling at their kids for not being ready on time and kids yelling because they can't find their shoes or their favorite shirt.
So get a head start on being organized for the school year by talking to your kids about the upcoming start of school. Make sure that you have gone over a list of what they need, from clothes and shoes, to backpacks, lunch bags and school supplies.
Then their is "the schedule". Make sure that everyone is on the same page as to the upcoming new schedule. Getting up earlier, getting ready on time, who needs the shower when... yes, some people have to plan out a detailed scheduled to make things run smoothly. Unless of course everyone has their own bathroom (we all aren't so lucky).
If you have your backpack from last year, make sure that it is cleaned out and ready to go (this should have been done at the end of last school year, but if it wasn't now is the time). Make sure that there is a "place" to put backpacks and anything else the kids might need to take to school. A cubby for each child by the door or hooks or whatever works for you. But have a designated spot and make sure that the kids stick to it. There is no reason that they should be scrambling every morning looking for things.
Now is the time to talk to the kids about a new "organized" procedure for the school year. Make them unpack their schoolbags every night and go through any notes that you, the parent needs to sign, have them do their homework and immediately put it back into their schoolbag and then put the schoolbag by the door (or the designated spot).
By implementing an organized routine you have a better chance of not getting that phone call about the missing homework or the missing permission slip.
Kids need structure. They need a routine. And so do adults.
Being organized makes mornings much easier and stress free.
Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation and start your school year on an organized note.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Showing posts with label KIDS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KIDS. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Kids, Clothes & Charity - How Are They Connected ?
I know that most people don't want to think about the summer coming to a close and everything that it entails, but being organized means thinking ahead.
The end of summer means the start of the next school year.
The start of the new school year means new clothes for the kids.
And that means that you will be taking their old clothes (and I mean clothes that don't fit, not tattered clothes) to Goodwill or another charity that could use them.
Kids outgrow things. Sometimes too quickly. You turn around and the next thing you know they are 4 inches taller than when they got out of school in June. It happens! So you have to buy them new clothes.
But before you just randomly go to the store and buy everything in sight you need to go through their closet and drawers and take an inventory of what they really need, not just want they want. BUT, you need to get them involved in the process.
This is not always fun for the kids and they will probably fight you on this, because they have better things to do than go through their clothes, things like playing outside or being with their friends. But as a parent this is a "teaching" moment. You are teaching them how to make decisions, how to organize their closet and drawers, how to recognize when clothes don't fit and the biggest lesson of all is why it's important to donate things that you no longer need to a worthwhile cause. And of course you know that you get a tax write-off.
Once you have gone through their closet and had them try on all of their clothes and put them into piles of "keep", "donate" or "trash" (because they were too worn out to donate) it's time to make a list of exactly what items they will need.
Making a list is very important because it will save you time and money at the store. You won't remember how many socks they had and they will try to get you to buy things that they don't really need.
Once you have the "needed items" (socks, underwear, pants...) you can look at "extras" but try and keep it in perspective. They don't need twenty pairs of jeans or twenty new pairs of shoes. Kids outgrow things very quickly.
By starting when they are young and helping them understand the concepts of "moderation", buying only what they really need and also buying only what they have room for, you are teaching them skills they will use their entire life.
Get into the habit of going through their closets at least once a season, especially when they are young and growing like weeds. And by the way, why don't you clear out your closet at the same time. You would be setting a great example!
Happy Closet Organizing!
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
The end of summer means the start of the next school year.
The start of the new school year means new clothes for the kids.
And that means that you will be taking their old clothes (and I mean clothes that don't fit, not tattered clothes) to Goodwill or another charity that could use them.
Kids outgrow things. Sometimes too quickly. You turn around and the next thing you know they are 4 inches taller than when they got out of school in June. It happens! So you have to buy them new clothes.
But before you just randomly go to the store and buy everything in sight you need to go through their closet and drawers and take an inventory of what they really need, not just want they want. BUT, you need to get them involved in the process.
This is not always fun for the kids and they will probably fight you on this, because they have better things to do than go through their clothes, things like playing outside or being with their friends. But as a parent this is a "teaching" moment. You are teaching them how to make decisions, how to organize their closet and drawers, how to recognize when clothes don't fit and the biggest lesson of all is why it's important to donate things that you no longer need to a worthwhile cause. And of course you know that you get a tax write-off.
Once you have gone through their closet and had them try on all of their clothes and put them into piles of "keep", "donate" or "trash" (because they were too worn out to donate) it's time to make a list of exactly what items they will need.
Making a list is very important because it will save you time and money at the store. You won't remember how many socks they had and they will try to get you to buy things that they don't really need.
Once you have the "needed items" (socks, underwear, pants...) you can look at "extras" but try and keep it in perspective. They don't need twenty pairs of jeans or twenty new pairs of shoes. Kids outgrow things very quickly.
By starting when they are young and helping them understand the concepts of "moderation", buying only what they really need and also buying only what they have room for, you are teaching them skills they will use their entire life.
Get into the habit of going through their closets at least once a season, especially when they are young and growing like weeds. And by the way, why don't you clear out your closet at the same time. You would be setting a great example!
Happy Closet Organizing!
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Summer Schedules
Summer can be a fun time or a stressful time. For kids it's fun. For parents, especially parents that work and have kids it's not so much fun. With younger kids it's easy. There are a lot of different activities that the kids can go to and keep them busy and out of trouble. For kids that are over ten (10) there aren't many group activities and even though most ten year olds think they are "grown up", leaving a ten year old home alone all summer long never made me feel comfortable. A lot of people don't have the luxury of having family around to watch the kids or have the money for expensive "summer camps". So what is a parent to do?
Sit down with your kids and make a very detailed summer schedule. Plan your activities ...even things such as going to the library. Knowing exactly where your kids are will make you feel more secure.
If you have the flexibility of taking your kids to work, even for a few days over the summer, it's a great learning experience for them. And you can also get a lot of things done at your office that you never had time for, like organizing your stock room or office, putting together brochures or mailings or any variety of things.
If you can spread your vacation days out and take one day off a week you can plan mini vacations to the beach or the park for some "family time". Inexpensive and relaxing.
You can also offer to take your friends kids with you on these "outings" and they in turn can take your kids on their outings. This gives the kids fun things to look forward to and you not feeling guilty that you aren't taking them on a summer vacation or leaving them home alone bored all summer.
By making the kids responsible for coming up with ideas for their summer schedule you let them have some input into their summer and you teach them responsibility and scheduling.
Coordinating a successful summer for kids isn't easy. But by planning ahead and being organized you will be more relaxed and your kids have a lot of activities to look forward.
Have a fun and safe summer.....
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Sit down with your kids and make a very detailed summer schedule. Plan your activities ...even things such as going to the library. Knowing exactly where your kids are will make you feel more secure.
If you have the flexibility of taking your kids to work, even for a few days over the summer, it's a great learning experience for them. And you can also get a lot of things done at your office that you never had time for, like organizing your stock room or office, putting together brochures or mailings or any variety of things.
If you can spread your vacation days out and take one day off a week you can plan mini vacations to the beach or the park for some "family time". Inexpensive and relaxing.
You can also offer to take your friends kids with you on these "outings" and they in turn can take your kids on their outings. This gives the kids fun things to look forward to and you not feeling guilty that you aren't taking them on a summer vacation or leaving them home alone bored all summer.
By making the kids responsible for coming up with ideas for their summer schedule you let them have some input into their summer and you teach them responsibility and scheduling.
Coordinating a successful summer for kids isn't easy. But by planning ahead and being organized you will be more relaxed and your kids have a lot of activities to look forward.
Have a fun and safe summer.....
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The End of the School Year
It's that time of year again. The end of the school year. An exciting time for kids but maybe not as much for parents. Along with having to re-arrange your schedule and come up with summer activities you also have to deal with all of the "stuff" that your kids bring home from school.
Projects, books, tons of papers and maybe even the tupperware that you were missing. So what are you going to do with all of that "stuff" ? Besides let it sit in the hallway for most of the summer?
Now is the time to start thinking about it. As soon as your kids come home from school (grade school, high school or even college) make them responsible for putting their things away. Go through their backpacks and throw out all of the "garbage" (you all know what I'm talking about). Take back your tupperware. Go through the clothes they bring home and donate the things that don't fit any longer or throw out the things that are beyond repair.
Keep a "few" of the special pictures that your kids made for you (take a digital picture of the rest) and toss the rest (you don't have the space to keep every single thing they made...really you don't).
If you have leftover school supplies make sure they are still good and that you will need them for the next school year. If your kids won't be able to use them give them to a parent that can or donate them.
By immediately dealing all of the things that the kids bring home from school you will not have to trip over it all summer and you can start your summer vacation with one less thing to worry about.
Have a great summer.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Projects, books, tons of papers and maybe even the tupperware that you were missing. So what are you going to do with all of that "stuff" ? Besides let it sit in the hallway for most of the summer?
Now is the time to start thinking about it. As soon as your kids come home from school (grade school, high school or even college) make them responsible for putting their things away. Go through their backpacks and throw out all of the "garbage" (you all know what I'm talking about). Take back your tupperware. Go through the clothes they bring home and donate the things that don't fit any longer or throw out the things that are beyond repair.
Keep a "few" of the special pictures that your kids made for you (take a digital picture of the rest) and toss the rest (you don't have the space to keep every single thing they made...really you don't).
If you have leftover school supplies make sure they are still good and that you will need them for the next school year. If your kids won't be able to use them give them to a parent that can or donate them.
By immediately dealing all of the things that the kids bring home from school you will not have to trip over it all summer and you can start your summer vacation with one less thing to worry about.
Have a great summer.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
KIDS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizing is not an “adults only” activity. Yet many parents today have not made their kids take responsibility for keeping their own spaces clean and organized.
Unless you live by yourself each member of the household needs to share the responsibility of keeping their home and their individual space neat and organized. This goes for kids too. No matter what age they are.
Unfortunately, parents today don’t seem to expect anything from their kids. They don’t expect them to pickup their clothes up off of the floor much less keep their rooms semi-clean and orderly. Kids tend to drop things everywhere and no one holds them responsible. So why would they change?
What parents don’t realize is that this sets the tone for how the kids grow up and how organized they are going to be as teenagers and adults.
It’s not too late to change things. Parents need to be adults and hold their kids responsible. Yes, they should lead by example, but just because you are not organized or neat does not mean that you can’t try and make sure that your kids have better habits.
Set expectations for your kids. Don’t just say “clean your room” and expect to see “your idea” of clean. You need to be more specific. You need to say “pick all of your clothes up off of the floor and hang them up in your closet” or “pick up all of your toys off of the floor and put them in the toy chest”. Be specific. Be consistent. It can work.
You are their parent, not their “maid”. Make them help keep the house clean. Teach them something that they will be able to use the rest of their lives. If you aren’t up to the task a professional organizer can help teach your family how to be more organized.
Start today and take back your home.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
START YOUNG – GET KIDS ORGANIZED
It’s never too early to start teaching your kids to be neat and organized. When my grandchild was only two years old she knew that before she left my house to go back home she had to put her toys away. She knew that I had a toy basket where I put all of her books and toys and that’s where everything went. No excuses. I like my home neat and I expected her to help. All it took was my showing her how to put the toys back in the basket and she quickly followed my example.
An organized home doesn’t miraculously happen. It takes everyone in the home to create an environment that is organized and functions smoothly. Having kids doesn’t mean that your home has to be disorganized or a cluttered mess. Children learn from their parents. If you start expecting things from your children at a young age and teach them responsibility you can have a home that is neat and organized.
The point is to teach your child some valuable tools for the future. It is really important to give them encouragement and let them know that they did a good job.
The problem that I seem to have run into is that most of the parents that I deal with have no expectations of their children. Toys and clothes are strewn all over the house and the children are never told to put them away.
Or if they are told, the kids ignore the “request” and the parents ignore the fact that they are being ignored. See the cycle?
In today’s society most households have two parents that work, therefore it’s more important than ever that kids help out around the house. Parents are parents…not maids and butlers. Maybe it’s the fact that both parents do work and have less time than they did years ago that they feel guilty about not being around and therefore allow their children to get away with not helping. They are not doing their children any favors.
By not teaching them to help around the house or to pick up after themselves they are setting them up for failure.
An organized child will do better in school. If they have their rooms organized and their clothes organized they will have everything at their fingertips and will not be late for school and they will be prepared for their classes.
Some parents think that just because they themselves are not very neat and organized means that they can’t or don’t have the right to tell their children to pick up after themselves. This is where I have to remind them that they are the parent. They have rights that children don’t. Remember the old saying: “do what I say and not what I do”?
How many parents are overwhelmed by math and science today? Does that mean that your kids don’t have to do their homework? Just because you don’t get it?
It’s the same way with being organized. Just because you may not be the most organized person doesn’t mean that you can’t expect your child to be. If you can’t teach them to be organized yourself then you can hire a professional organizer to come in and teach them to be organized… just as you would hire a swim instructor if you can’t swim or an ice skating instructor if you can’t skate.
I’ve had parents hire me to teach their children how to organize their room and organize their closets and show them how to fold their clothes (instead of just shoving them into their drawers). Kids tend to listen to everyone except their parents.
Give your child the tools they need to be successful. Start them young and expect things from them. They will thank you….later…when they are grown up.
Some things that kids can do:
2 – 4 year olds
Put away toys
Pick up clothes off of the floor
4 – 6 year olds
Clean up spills
Wipe kitchen table
Learn to make bed
Learn to set the table
Match socks
6 – 8 year olds
Make the bed
Put dishes away
Sweep the floors
Put clothes into the hamper
Set the table
Clear the table
Learn to separate clothes for the laundry
Dust
8 – 12 year olds
Put their own laundry away
Help make dinner
Make their own lunches
Rake leaves
Help wash the car
Empty garbage
Clean the bathroom
Help with actually doing the laundry
Weed the garden
13 – 15 year olds
Clean the entire house
Learn to manage their schedule
Mow the lawn
Yard work
Wash the car on their own
Babysit
16 – 18 year olds
Get an after school job
Go to the grocery store
Run errands as needed
Learn how to make a resume
Learn how to manage money
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
An organized home doesn’t miraculously happen. It takes everyone in the home to create an environment that is organized and functions smoothly. Having kids doesn’t mean that your home has to be disorganized or a cluttered mess. Children learn from their parents. If you start expecting things from your children at a young age and teach them responsibility you can have a home that is neat and organized.
The point is to teach your child some valuable tools for the future. It is really important to give them encouragement and let them know that they did a good job.
The problem that I seem to have run into is that most of the parents that I deal with have no expectations of their children. Toys and clothes are strewn all over the house and the children are never told to put them away.
Or if they are told, the kids ignore the “request” and the parents ignore the fact that they are being ignored. See the cycle?
In today’s society most households have two parents that work, therefore it’s more important than ever that kids help out around the house. Parents are parents…not maids and butlers. Maybe it’s the fact that both parents do work and have less time than they did years ago that they feel guilty about not being around and therefore allow their children to get away with not helping. They are not doing their children any favors.
By not teaching them to help around the house or to pick up after themselves they are setting them up for failure.
An organized child will do better in school. If they have their rooms organized and their clothes organized they will have everything at their fingertips and will not be late for school and they will be prepared for their classes.
Some parents think that just because they themselves are not very neat and organized means that they can’t or don’t have the right to tell their children to pick up after themselves. This is where I have to remind them that they are the parent. They have rights that children don’t. Remember the old saying: “do what I say and not what I do”?
How many parents are overwhelmed by math and science today? Does that mean that your kids don’t have to do their homework? Just because you don’t get it?
It’s the same way with being organized. Just because you may not be the most organized person doesn’t mean that you can’t expect your child to be. If you can’t teach them to be organized yourself then you can hire a professional organizer to come in and teach them to be organized… just as you would hire a swim instructor if you can’t swim or an ice skating instructor if you can’t skate.
I’ve had parents hire me to teach their children how to organize their room and organize their closets and show them how to fold their clothes (instead of just shoving them into their drawers). Kids tend to listen to everyone except their parents.
Give your child the tools they need to be successful. Start them young and expect things from them. They will thank you….later…when they are grown up.
Some things that kids can do:
2 – 4 year olds
Put away toys
Pick up clothes off of the floor
4 – 6 year olds
Clean up spills
Wipe kitchen table
Learn to make bed
Learn to set the table
Match socks
6 – 8 year olds
Make the bed
Put dishes away
Sweep the floors
Put clothes into the hamper
Set the table
Clear the table
Learn to separate clothes for the laundry
Dust
8 – 12 year olds
Put their own laundry away
Help make dinner
Make their own lunches
Rake leaves
Help wash the car
Empty garbage
Clean the bathroom
Help with actually doing the laundry
Weed the garden
13 – 15 year olds
Clean the entire house
Learn to manage their schedule
Mow the lawn
Yard work
Wash the car on their own
Babysit
16 – 18 year olds
Get an after school job
Go to the grocery store
Run errands as needed
Learn how to make a resume
Learn how to manage money
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, August 16, 2010
ORGANIZING FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE
Most people don’t understand that organizing isn’t a “one size fits all” type of business.
Each client is different… in what they want, how they want it done, what they need to have done and how we teach them to become organized.
As a “Professional Organizer” I belong to numerous organizations, including NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers and NGGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). I take my job and my “organizing” passion very seriously.
Most people don’t realize that organizers have certification programs and attend numerous seminars on various topics.
I have a “Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization”. Which means that I passed an exam and am serious about my “profession” and learning everything that I can about the subject.
When most people think about “professional organizers” they think about “closets”. Or now they might think about “hoarders”. Both of which I do.
But organizing is more than that.
Let’s just talk about closets for a minute. Think about “kids” ….those short people. They can’t reach very high. So when we are organizing a closet for a child we need to think about them being “vertically challenged”. But we also need to think about the future and the fact that someday … they will be taller and can reach higher.
Now let’s think about “seniors”. . Maybe they can’t reach very high because of arthritis. So the closet rods should be lower. And they can’t do a lot of physical labor for long periods of time… so your organizing sessions might need to be shorter.
See how closets aren’t just “standard” ?
Or what about people with ADD ? They don’t see things the way the rest of the world does. They might not “learn” the same. They might be “visual” people. So if you are talking about filing or organizing…they might not “get” the logic behind what you say. Or their attention span might be a lot shorter.
So you have to think of “different” ways to get your point across to them.
Or people that are in a “life changing circumstance” ? It could be someone that just lost a spouse or someone that is going through a “life altering” experience. They might not be able to make those “organizing” decisions as easily as they did before their life changing circumstance.
Or “hoarders” …… they aren’t just “messy”. They have a whole lot of “psychological problems” that you need to deal with or at least acknowledge.
“Organizing” isn’t a cut and dried service.
Organizers use different techniques for each different type of client.
And as an organizer it’s important to be continuously learning about the varying needs of our clients.
And as a client you should be able to depend on your organizer to acknowledge your varying needs and come up with solutions for “you” …. Not their “last” client.
The world of “professional organizing” is ever evolving. And we have to keep up.
Not only do we teach our clients about being organized…. but they teach us about “life”.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Each client is different… in what they want, how they want it done, what they need to have done and how we teach them to become organized.
As a “Professional Organizer” I belong to numerous organizations, including NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers and NGGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). I take my job and my “organizing” passion very seriously.
Most people don’t realize that organizers have certification programs and attend numerous seminars on various topics.
I have a “Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization”. Which means that I passed an exam and am serious about my “profession” and learning everything that I can about the subject.
When most people think about “professional organizers” they think about “closets”. Or now they might think about “hoarders”. Both of which I do.
But organizing is more than that.
Let’s just talk about closets for a minute. Think about “kids” ….those short people. They can’t reach very high. So when we are organizing a closet for a child we need to think about them being “vertically challenged”. But we also need to think about the future and the fact that someday … they will be taller and can reach higher.
Now let’s think about “seniors”. . Maybe they can’t reach very high because of arthritis. So the closet rods should be lower. And they can’t do a lot of physical labor for long periods of time… so your organizing sessions might need to be shorter.
See how closets aren’t just “standard” ?
Or what about people with ADD ? They don’t see things the way the rest of the world does. They might not “learn” the same. They might be “visual” people. So if you are talking about filing or organizing…they might not “get” the logic behind what you say. Or their attention span might be a lot shorter.
So you have to think of “different” ways to get your point across to them.
Or people that are in a “life changing circumstance” ? It could be someone that just lost a spouse or someone that is going through a “life altering” experience. They might not be able to make those “organizing” decisions as easily as they did before their life changing circumstance.
Or “hoarders” …… they aren’t just “messy”. They have a whole lot of “psychological problems” that you need to deal with or at least acknowledge.
“Organizing” isn’t a cut and dried service.
Organizers use different techniques for each different type of client.
And as an organizer it’s important to be continuously learning about the varying needs of our clients.
And as a client you should be able to depend on your organizer to acknowledge your varying needs and come up with solutions for “you” …. Not their “last” client.
The world of “professional organizing” is ever evolving. And we have to keep up.
Not only do we teach our clients about being organized…. but they teach us about “life”.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, July 19, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING FOR COLLEGE KIDS
College aged kids have different “organizing” needs / issues than grade school or high school aged kids. Obviously (this is where my daughter would roll here eyes and say “really Mom ?”).
Yes, really.
You don’t have to worry about making sure they have socks and school clothes and notebooks and such…. College aged kids pick out their own clothes.
But….there are the issues of “what do I need to buy for the dorm” ?
There are numerous lists out there….but some basic things you might need:
* New sheets for the bed. Plus a mattress pad !
* Blankets / pillows
* Bath towels
* Desk lamp
* Small refrigerator
* Small Microwave
* Coffee Maker
* Small T.V.
* Alarm clock
* Basic medical kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin….)
* Basic sewing kit
* Laundry detergent
* Change for the laundry
* Plastic bowls
* Coffee mug
* Bath caddy
* Water bottle
* Some non-perishable food (popcorn, granola bars, rice cakes, peanut butter, crackers, canned soup….)
* Day-Timer / planner….. or some type of scheduler to keep them on track and on time
Some important things that you need to remember….is that you have to make sure what is or is not allowed in the dorms. There are size restrictions on refrigerators and other items.
If your child is living in an apartment…and you have to buy furniture or beds…. You need to make sure that you measure the area where you will be placing the furniture. Not just “guess” ….because it “looks like it will fit”.
If your child is going to a school more than a few hours away or out of state…. planning and organizing is even more crucial for a smooth transition.
Plan ahead and avoid some of the stress that moving brings.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Yes, really.
You don’t have to worry about making sure they have socks and school clothes and notebooks and such…. College aged kids pick out their own clothes.
But….there are the issues of “what do I need to buy for the dorm” ?
There are numerous lists out there….but some basic things you might need:
* New sheets for the bed. Plus a mattress pad !
* Blankets / pillows
* Bath towels
* Desk lamp
* Small refrigerator
* Small Microwave
* Coffee Maker
* Small T.V.
* Alarm clock
* Basic medical kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin….)
* Basic sewing kit
* Laundry detergent
* Change for the laundry
* Plastic bowls
* Coffee mug
* Bath caddy
* Water bottle
* Some non-perishable food (popcorn, granola bars, rice cakes, peanut butter, crackers, canned soup….)
* Day-Timer / planner….. or some type of scheduler to keep them on track and on time
Some important things that you need to remember….is that you have to make sure what is or is not allowed in the dorms. There are size restrictions on refrigerators and other items.
If your child is living in an apartment…and you have to buy furniture or beds…. You need to make sure that you measure the area where you will be placing the furniture. Not just “guess” ….because it “looks like it will fit”.
If your child is going to a school more than a few hours away or out of state…. planning and organizing is even more crucial for a smooth transition.
Plan ahead and avoid some of the stress that moving brings.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, July 12, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING
Well – it’s only mid-July. To early to think about school? NOT !
Get a head start and start making your lists now.
Clothes – what do the kids need? Start with the basics. Go through their drawers and check their supply of socks (have fun finding the matching pairs) and underwear. Are they in good shape and do they fit? Do they have enough and the right kind? For everyday and for sports.
Make a list of what they have, how many they have and sizes.
Shoes – school shoes, tennis shoes, boots (you don’t think you are going to find boots in the winter do you?). Take into consideration that they might grow before winter when buying boots and they will also have on thick socks.
Winter coats, scarves, gloves/mittens, hats. You should always keep a supply of extra gloves on hand for when they get wet (since they take forever to dry). And gloves are like socks. They disappear.
If your kids are in a growth spurt be sure to buy the coat with extra room so that by winter time it’s not too small. Also, be sure to remember that in the winter they will be wearing sweaters under their coats. Leave enough room if you are buying the coat when it’s still warm out and they aren’t wearing a sweater when they try it on.
Check the newspapers for sales, then immediately go to get the best selection and avoid the crowds of parents that waited until the last minute.
School supplies. Most schools have lists. Get them as soon as they come out. Check them against the list of supplies that you have on hand (from “Schools Out” article). Go to the stores and get all of the supplies.
You can break it down and buy school supplies one day and clothes on another day. Or if you have more than one child you can break it down by child and make a “one-on-one bonding moment” complete with lunch or dessert.
Yes, it can be a “fun” bonding moment…. IF you plan ahead instead of waiting until the last minute.
That’s the beauty of organizing….it reduces / eliminates the stress and allows you to enjoy even the most mundane task.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Get a head start and start making your lists now.
Clothes – what do the kids need? Start with the basics. Go through their drawers and check their supply of socks (have fun finding the matching pairs) and underwear. Are they in good shape and do they fit? Do they have enough and the right kind? For everyday and for sports.
Make a list of what they have, how many they have and sizes.
Shoes – school shoes, tennis shoes, boots (you don’t think you are going to find boots in the winter do you?). Take into consideration that they might grow before winter when buying boots and they will also have on thick socks.
Winter coats, scarves, gloves/mittens, hats. You should always keep a supply of extra gloves on hand for when they get wet (since they take forever to dry). And gloves are like socks. They disappear.
If your kids are in a growth spurt be sure to buy the coat with extra room so that by winter time it’s not too small. Also, be sure to remember that in the winter they will be wearing sweaters under their coats. Leave enough room if you are buying the coat when it’s still warm out and they aren’t wearing a sweater when they try it on.
Check the newspapers for sales, then immediately go to get the best selection and avoid the crowds of parents that waited until the last minute.
School supplies. Most schools have lists. Get them as soon as they come out. Check them against the list of supplies that you have on hand (from “Schools Out” article). Go to the stores and get all of the supplies.
You can break it down and buy school supplies one day and clothes on another day. Or if you have more than one child you can break it down by child and make a “one-on-one bonding moment” complete with lunch or dessert.
Yes, it can be a “fun” bonding moment…. IF you plan ahead instead of waiting until the last minute.
That’s the beauty of organizing….it reduces / eliminates the stress and allows you to enjoy even the most mundane task.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, May 17, 2010
SCHOOLS OUT: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL OF THE KIDS “STUFF” ?
Yippee ! Schools out ! The kids are beyond happy. Summer is almost here. Fun in the sun !
As you look around you see backpacks on the floor with the contents of their locker /desk strewn everywhere. Your office / desk / refrigerator is already bursting with their “art work” and crafts. How did you accumulate so much “stuff”?
Just remember – you have 12 years of this ! How do you get a handle on all of their “special papers” ? Don’t let the clutter overtake you. You will easily end up with more boxes of their “stuff” every year.
I know you and the kids are excited that school is out and the last thing that you want to do is spend hours going through their stuff. But it’s easier to just bite the bullet and get it done now and be able to enjoy the summer without having to look at the clutter all summer long.
There are a number of ways to go about this. One, get one (1) box or plastic bin for each child. Put in dividers for each school year. Pick one or two or three (no more or you’ll run out of room) great pieces to save. Put all of their report cards and awards into the folders.
Instead of a box, you can also use a large pendaflex folder for each child. You will need to explain to your child that you can’t keep “all” of their pictures because you just don’t have the room (trust me – my kids decorated an entire wall of my office with their art work and I left it up until they “begged” me to take it down when they were 15).
Do this at the end of every school year so that you are not overwhelmed when they are going away to college and you decide it’s “finally” time to clear our their stuff (trust me….they go from 12 to college overnight!).
Take a look at their backpack and see if it still is in good condition for next year. If it is, clean it out and store it for next year. If it’s, not throw it in the garbage.
Go through all of their school supplies and get rid of everything that is broken. Sort all of the “good” supplies into a box for next year. Make a list of what you have left over that can be re-used so that you don’t have to buy it next year.
Now you can relax and enjoy your summer…..that is until it’s time to “get organized” for the next school year. But that’s another article!
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
As you look around you see backpacks on the floor with the contents of their locker /desk strewn everywhere. Your office / desk / refrigerator is already bursting with their “art work” and crafts. How did you accumulate so much “stuff”?
Just remember – you have 12 years of this ! How do you get a handle on all of their “special papers” ? Don’t let the clutter overtake you. You will easily end up with more boxes of their “stuff” every year.
I know you and the kids are excited that school is out and the last thing that you want to do is spend hours going through their stuff. But it’s easier to just bite the bullet and get it done now and be able to enjoy the summer without having to look at the clutter all summer long.
There are a number of ways to go about this. One, get one (1) box or plastic bin for each child. Put in dividers for each school year. Pick one or two or three (no more or you’ll run out of room) great pieces to save. Put all of their report cards and awards into the folders.
Instead of a box, you can also use a large pendaflex folder for each child. You will need to explain to your child that you can’t keep “all” of their pictures because you just don’t have the room (trust me – my kids decorated an entire wall of my office with their art work and I left it up until they “begged” me to take it down when they were 15).
Do this at the end of every school year so that you are not overwhelmed when they are going away to college and you decide it’s “finally” time to clear our their stuff (trust me….they go from 12 to college overnight!).
Take a look at their backpack and see if it still is in good condition for next year. If it is, clean it out and store it for next year. If it’s, not throw it in the garbage.
Go through all of their school supplies and get rid of everything that is broken. Sort all of the “good” supplies into a box for next year. Make a list of what you have left over that can be re-used so that you don’t have to buy it next year.
Now you can relax and enjoy your summer…..that is until it’s time to “get organized” for the next school year. But that’s another article!
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Magazine Article and Organizing Kids at a Young Age...all in one week !
Well... it's been an exciting week ! A couple of great articles have come out.
First, I have just completed training for a great program through NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) to teach children in grades 2 - 5 how to become more organized. It's a really fun and interactive program and I hope to be able to teach kids a lesson that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives. The program is called " NAPO in the Schools ".
http://www.pr.com/press-release/226417
Then, I was interviewed for a magazine article on "organizing in the church". Yes, churches need to be organized just as much as your home or office! I am in the article with Peter Walsh, the organizing guru on the show "Clean Sweep". What an honor !
http://www.churchmutual.com/riskreporter/pdfs/RRSpring2010.pdf
First, I have just completed training for a great program through NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) to teach children in grades 2 - 5 how to become more organized. It's a really fun and interactive program and I hope to be able to teach kids a lesson that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives. The program is called " NAPO in the Schools ".
http://www.pr.com/press-release/226417
Then, I was interviewed for a magazine article on "organizing in the church". Yes, churches need to be organized just as much as your home or office! I am in the article with Peter Walsh, the organizing guru on the show "Clean Sweep". What an honor !
http://www.churchmutual.com/riskreporter/pdfs/RRSpring2010.pdf
Monday, February 8, 2010
CHORES FOR CHILDREN
An organized home doesn’t miraculously happen. It takes everyone in the home to create an environment that is organized and functions smoothly. Having kids doesn’t mean that your home has to be disorganized or a cluttered mess. Children learn from their parents. If you start expecting things from your children at a young age and teach them responsibility you can have a home that is neat and organized.
Following is a list of chores for children. This is just a basic list of some things that children should be able to help with. Remember, each child is different and they all have different capabilities. For the younger children “helping” with some of these chores will probably take more time than if you did them yourself. But that is not the point. The point is to teach your child some valuable tools for the future. It is really important to give them encouragement and let them know that they did a good job.
2 – 4 year olds
Put away toys
Pick up clothes off of the floor
4 – 6 year olds
Clean up spills
Wipe kitchen table
Learn to make bed
Learn to set the table
Match socks
6– 8 year olds
Make the bed
Put dishes away
Sweep the floors
Put clothes into the hamper
Set the table
Clear the table
Learn to separate clothes for the laundry
Dust
8 – 12 year olds
Put their own laundry away
Help make dinner
Make their own lunches
Rake leaves
Help wash the car
Empty garbage
Clean the bathroom
Help with actually doing the laundry
Weed the garden
13 – 15 year olds
Clean the entire house
Learn to manage their schedule
Mow the lawn
Yard work
Wash the car on their own
Babysit
16 – 18 year olds
Get an after school job
Go to the grocery store
Run errands as needed
Learn how to make a resume
Learn how to manage money
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Following is a list of chores for children. This is just a basic list of some things that children should be able to help with. Remember, each child is different and they all have different capabilities. For the younger children “helping” with some of these chores will probably take more time than if you did them yourself. But that is not the point. The point is to teach your child some valuable tools for the future. It is really important to give them encouragement and let them know that they did a good job.
2 – 4 year olds
Put away toys
Pick up clothes off of the floor
4 – 6 year olds
Clean up spills
Wipe kitchen table
Learn to make bed
Learn to set the table
Match socks
6– 8 year olds
Make the bed
Put dishes away
Sweep the floors
Put clothes into the hamper
Set the table
Clear the table
Learn to separate clothes for the laundry
Dust
8 – 12 year olds
Put their own laundry away
Help make dinner
Make their own lunches
Rake leaves
Help wash the car
Empty garbage
Clean the bathroom
Help with actually doing the laundry
Weed the garden
13 – 15 year olds
Clean the entire house
Learn to manage their schedule
Mow the lawn
Yard work
Wash the car on their own
Babysit
16 – 18 year olds
Get an after school job
Go to the grocery store
Run errands as needed
Learn how to make a resume
Learn how to manage money
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Friday, January 15, 2010
ORGANIZING YOUR CHILD’S ROOM
An organized adult usually starts out learning to be organized as a young child. Chances are that if you aren’t taught organizational skills as a child you will probably not be an organized adult. By starting when your child is young you can teach them skills that will be useful to them for their entire life.
Having an organized room lets you find things easily. It helps reduce your stress because you aren’t constantly searching for things. Organizing a child’s room is a little different than organizing an adult’s room in that you will need to use more “visual” aides and labels.
For toys: use plastic bins (clear works best because they can also see through them). Label each bin with what’s inside. For example: Cars/trucks, building blocks, games, puzzles, books…
For toys and things that have a lot of parts, get smaller containers to house those parts so that they have a place to go after they are done playing with them.
If you child is not old enough to read or if your child is more of a “visual” thinker….you can cut out pictures of whatever is in the bin and tape it to the outside.
The same idea can be applied to their clothes. Put a picture of “pants” or “shirts” or “socks” on the outside of where you want those clothes to go.
Get down to the child’s level! If a child can’t reach the hangers or the bins to put their things away…the clothes and toys will just end up on the floor.
For a child’s closet you need to hang things at their level (and as they grow you should be able to adjust their shelves to a higher level….which will also give you more room on the bottom). If you keep a child’s closet at the standard “adult” height and they can’t reach it….they won’t be able to put their things away themselves….and they will always expect you to put everything away for them. And you just set yourself up to be their maid.
Under bed storage. There are a variety of great under the bed storage bins (some come with wheels) that can take advantage of the room under their beds. Toys or extra clothes (not in season) or extra blankets….can all take advantage of the wasted space under the bed.
For school age children have a place set aside in their room for their books and homework. When they are done with their homework have them put it into their “school spot” so that they are ready for school the next morning.
Start the teaching process for good organizational skills when the kids are young. Very young. As soon as they can start walking…they can be taught to put their things away. By having a place for everything and having pictures or labels on it so that they know exactly where things should go…they will get into the habit of putting things into the correct spot. And before you know it, their rooms will be “organized” and clean.
Remember, Mom is spelled “ M – O – M “ …. Not “ M – A – I – D “ !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Having an organized room lets you find things easily. It helps reduce your stress because you aren’t constantly searching for things. Organizing a child’s room is a little different than organizing an adult’s room in that you will need to use more “visual” aides and labels.
For toys: use plastic bins (clear works best because they can also see through them). Label each bin with what’s inside. For example: Cars/trucks, building blocks, games, puzzles, books…
For toys and things that have a lot of parts, get smaller containers to house those parts so that they have a place to go after they are done playing with them.
If you child is not old enough to read or if your child is more of a “visual” thinker….you can cut out pictures of whatever is in the bin and tape it to the outside.
The same idea can be applied to their clothes. Put a picture of “pants” or “shirts” or “socks” on the outside of where you want those clothes to go.
Get down to the child’s level! If a child can’t reach the hangers or the bins to put their things away…the clothes and toys will just end up on the floor.
For a child’s closet you need to hang things at their level (and as they grow you should be able to adjust their shelves to a higher level….which will also give you more room on the bottom). If you keep a child’s closet at the standard “adult” height and they can’t reach it….they won’t be able to put their things away themselves….and they will always expect you to put everything away for them. And you just set yourself up to be their maid.
Under bed storage. There are a variety of great under the bed storage bins (some come with wheels) that can take advantage of the room under their beds. Toys or extra clothes (not in season) or extra blankets….can all take advantage of the wasted space under the bed.
For school age children have a place set aside in their room for their books and homework. When they are done with their homework have them put it into their “school spot” so that they are ready for school the next morning.
Start the teaching process for good organizational skills when the kids are young. Very young. As soon as they can start walking…they can be taught to put their things away. By having a place for everything and having pictures or labels on it so that they know exactly where things should go…they will get into the habit of putting things into the correct spot. And before you know it, their rooms will be “organized” and clean.
Remember, Mom is spelled “ M – O – M “ …. Not “ M – A – I – D “ !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Friday, January 1, 2010
HOW TO BE MORE ORGANIZED FOR THE NEW YEAR
It’s a New Year and everyone makes “New Years Resolutions”. Why don’t you make one that says “I will be more Organized”.
I don’t mean that you need to run out and buy all types of “organizing gadgets”. Or that you drive your family crazy with your new found organizing obsession.
What I mean is that you should start with small steps, such as making a list of ways that you can “organize” your home, business or life. Just like your resolution to exercise more will probably go by the wayside, so will your resolution to be more organized... if you don’t fully commit to it.
It took years to develop your behaviors and it will take you weeks or months or longer to change them. It’s a lifestyle change.
Once you have made a list of what you want to change in your home, business or life (and this has to be your idea or it won’t work) then you need to start implementing the changes. One at a time, otherwise you will become overwhelmed and you won’t stick to anything.
I’m a list maker. I have a list or an Excel spreadsheet for everything. My family makes fun of me but my motto is “why re-invent the wheel”. If you have repetitive tasks they can be turned into lists. I have a “what to take on vacation” list. Every family member has their own column and they check off things as they pack them. Now things aren’t forgotten and I don’t hear “Mom, I forgot my bathing suit”.
I have a list for “what to pack for college”. And yes, my daughter refused to use it the first year. But the following year I heard “Mom, can I have the college list...”. Music to a mother’s ear. I’m not as useless as I thought!
I have lists for school supplies, list for groceries, lists for vacations, lists for medical information, lists for donated items, lists for events that I go to every year and equipment I need to take, lists for meetings…… and on and on. There is no end in sight.
If you do it more than once ... make a list. That way you won’t forget anything.
If you have a list of spaces to organize or projects to do, break them down into manageable pieces. For example, break down the “I’m going to organize my kitchen” project into smaller projects. Such as:
* I’m going to organize the kitchen drawers
* I’m going to organize the kitchen counters
* I’m going to organize the kitchen cabinets
* I’m going to organize the kitchen pantry
That way you can start and finish each project in one sitting and feel like you’ve accomplished something, instead of getting tired or frustrated and never finishing it and then never starting another project. Start a small project. Finish a project. Feel proud of yourself. Go on to the next project.
Not everyone can become organized on their own. That’s why there are “Professional Organizers” that are there to help you and to teach you how to become more organized (teaching should be part of the organizing project).
Since most people call a plumber or an electrician when they have a plumbing or electrical problem, why shouldn’t you call a Professional Organizer when you have an organizing problem?
By having a Professional Organizer help you with your organizing dilemma you can get more accomplished in less time. A Professional Organizer is there to guide you through the process.
How many people have bought workout tapes for use at home but never used them? Good intentions but people tend to work harder when they go to a gym and have someone watch over them than when they try to work out by themselves.
So call a Professional Organizer and let them help you become more Organized – Less Cluttered – and Less Stressed.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
I don’t mean that you need to run out and buy all types of “organizing gadgets”. Or that you drive your family crazy with your new found organizing obsession.
What I mean is that you should start with small steps, such as making a list of ways that you can “organize” your home, business or life. Just like your resolution to exercise more will probably go by the wayside, so will your resolution to be more organized... if you don’t fully commit to it.
It took years to develop your behaviors and it will take you weeks or months or longer to change them. It’s a lifestyle change.
Once you have made a list of what you want to change in your home, business or life (and this has to be your idea or it won’t work) then you need to start implementing the changes. One at a time, otherwise you will become overwhelmed and you won’t stick to anything.
I’m a list maker. I have a list or an Excel spreadsheet for everything. My family makes fun of me but my motto is “why re-invent the wheel”. If you have repetitive tasks they can be turned into lists. I have a “what to take on vacation” list. Every family member has their own column and they check off things as they pack them. Now things aren’t forgotten and I don’t hear “Mom, I forgot my bathing suit”.
I have a list for “what to pack for college”. And yes, my daughter refused to use it the first year. But the following year I heard “Mom, can I have the college list...”. Music to a mother’s ear. I’m not as useless as I thought!
I have lists for school supplies, list for groceries, lists for vacations, lists for medical information, lists for donated items, lists for events that I go to every year and equipment I need to take, lists for meetings…… and on and on. There is no end in sight.
If you do it more than once ... make a list. That way you won’t forget anything.
If you have a list of spaces to organize or projects to do, break them down into manageable pieces. For example, break down the “I’m going to organize my kitchen” project into smaller projects. Such as:
* I’m going to organize the kitchen drawers
* I’m going to organize the kitchen counters
* I’m going to organize the kitchen cabinets
* I’m going to organize the kitchen pantry
That way you can start and finish each project in one sitting and feel like you’ve accomplished something, instead of getting tired or frustrated and never finishing it and then never starting another project. Start a small project. Finish a project. Feel proud of yourself. Go on to the next project.
Not everyone can become organized on their own. That’s why there are “Professional Organizers” that are there to help you and to teach you how to become more organized (teaching should be part of the organizing project).
Since most people call a plumber or an electrician when they have a plumbing or electrical problem, why shouldn’t you call a Professional Organizer when you have an organizing problem?
By having a Professional Organizer help you with your organizing dilemma you can get more accomplished in less time. A Professional Organizer is there to guide you through the process.
How many people have bought workout tapes for use at home but never used them? Good intentions but people tend to work harder when they go to a gym and have someone watch over them than when they try to work out by themselves.
So call a Professional Organizer and let them help you become more Organized – Less Cluttered – and Less Stressed.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, December 7, 2009
DONATING – TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO SHARE
Christmas should be about more than “how many gifts am I going to get”. Christmas should be about family and friends. Not “things”.
That said, we all like to get gifts. Especially the children. But how much “stuff” does one person really need?
It is fun to open presents, especially when you get the new sweater or new toy that you’ve been wishing for. But how many sweaters do you really need? And how many games can you play with at once?
When my daughter was very young we started the tradition of “sharing” her toys. We would go through all of her toys at the beginning of December and decide which ones she really played with and which ones she really didn’t. Then we would decide which ones she wanted to “share” with other children whose parents couldn’t afford toys.
It is really important that you make your child understand the “importance” of sharing. Of giving. But, it has to be “their” idea. It’s not an easy concept for kids to understand. Especially once they realize that you are “taking” their toys away.
My daughter thought it was a great idea. At first. Until I took the bag filled with toys, which she picked out herself and tried to leave the room. Then she cried. I had to sit down with her and explain that not everyone has extra money to buy their kids toys at Christmas and that by her sharing her toys….toys she didn’t play with anyway and that she had outgrown…she was making another child happy.
Once she really understood that she had control over what and how much she gave away she was happy. And every year after that she knew that at the beginning of December she would start putting together a bag or two of toys that would make a difference in another child’s life. And a “sharing” tradition was born.
There are many group homes, children’s organizations and churches that accept donations around the holidays. Find one and start your own “sharing” tradition.
By starting when your child is young you can teach them a lesson that they will remember the rest of their lives and hopefully pass on to their children.
And you will have a more organized and less cluttered house and a tax deduction.
Happy Holidays !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
That said, we all like to get gifts. Especially the children. But how much “stuff” does one person really need?
It is fun to open presents, especially when you get the new sweater or new toy that you’ve been wishing for. But how many sweaters do you really need? And how many games can you play with at once?
When my daughter was very young we started the tradition of “sharing” her toys. We would go through all of her toys at the beginning of December and decide which ones she really played with and which ones she really didn’t. Then we would decide which ones she wanted to “share” with other children whose parents couldn’t afford toys.
It is really important that you make your child understand the “importance” of sharing. Of giving. But, it has to be “their” idea. It’s not an easy concept for kids to understand. Especially once they realize that you are “taking” their toys away.
My daughter thought it was a great idea. At first. Until I took the bag filled with toys, which she picked out herself and tried to leave the room. Then she cried. I had to sit down with her and explain that not everyone has extra money to buy their kids toys at Christmas and that by her sharing her toys….toys she didn’t play with anyway and that she had outgrown…she was making another child happy.
Once she really understood that she had control over what and how much she gave away she was happy. And every year after that she knew that at the beginning of December she would start putting together a bag or two of toys that would make a difference in another child’s life. And a “sharing” tradition was born.
There are many group homes, children’s organizations and churches that accept donations around the holidays. Find one and start your own “sharing” tradition.
By starting when your child is young you can teach them a lesson that they will remember the rest of their lives and hopefully pass on to their children.
And you will have a more organized and less cluttered house and a tax deduction.
Happy Holidays !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Saturday, October 10, 2009
ORGANIZING YOUR KIDS
It seems like an impossible task – getting your kids to be more organized. But it all starts with you !
Kids learn from watching their parents. So if you aren’t organized, your children won’t be.
Maybe now is the time to start changing the way you do things so that you can set a good example for your kids.
Let’s start with breakfast. I’m sure that you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know that for a lot of families it is also one of the most stressful times.
The kids get up late. They can’t find their homework or shoes. You can’t find your car keys. There is no time for breakfast much less packing lunches. Everyone is yelling. And you are ready to pull your hair out.
Let’s take a deep breath and see what we can do to rectify this situation.
First, we rewind the clock and go back to yesterday. Let’s pretend the kids did their homework. Then they put their homework into their backpack and put their backpack in a designated spot, maybe near the door.
Then, they get their clothes ready for the next day. No more trying to find the “right outfit” at the last minute in the morning. If anything is missing you have time to hunt down the missing socks or shoes before you get ready for bed.
After their homework is done and put in the appropriate spot and their clothes are all laid out for the next day, they have time to make their lunch for school.
Give the kids some responsibility. Expect them to be responsible. This should start at a very early age. Even if they can’t get their clothes ready on their own or make their own lunches yet….this is the time to teach them. Help them decide what to wear (but as the mother of girls…don’t pick their outfits…or you’ll be up all night because they can’t possibly wear what their mother picked out). Let them help make their lunches if they are too young to do it on their own. This is the time to guide them in the direction of “good food choices”.
If you don’t expect the kids to help….they won’t. If you don’t expect the kids to pick up after themselves…they won’t. If you don’t expect the kids to make good choice…they won’t.
Having a routine is crucial. It not only teaches the kids responsibility it also helps to reduce your stress as a parent.
Now back to breakfast. Maybe you might want to set the breakfast table the night before to give yourselves a head start in the morning. Or you might want to pack a quick “take along” breakfast that the kids can eat in the car or at school before school starts.
It is much cheaper and healthier to make your own breakfast at home. You can make a nutritious breakfast in less than five minutes at home. Try cutting up an assortment of vegetables ahead of time and putting them into a tupperware container for use later in the week. Pop a couple of slices of toast into the toaster. Heat up a skilled and throw in a spoonful of vegetables. Stir in an egg and in a couple of minutes you have a nutritious breakfast. Add a few slices of fruit and it gets even better.
The trick is to have everything prepared ahead of time.
My husband makes the world’s best pancakes (just ask the kids!). When he makes pancakes he usually makes up a huge batch and puts two at a time in individual freezer bags. When the kids were younger they just took a bag out of the freezer, popped it into the microwave and in a couple of minutes had a hot and delicious breakfast.
It’s all about planning. That’s what being organized is all about. Planning ahead to make things easier in the future.
The more organized you are now….the less stressed you will be later.
Teach your kids when they are young and it will become a part of their lives.
It’s not an impossible task. And it all starts with you.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Kids learn from watching their parents. So if you aren’t organized, your children won’t be.
Maybe now is the time to start changing the way you do things so that you can set a good example for your kids.
Let’s start with breakfast. I’m sure that you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know that for a lot of families it is also one of the most stressful times.
The kids get up late. They can’t find their homework or shoes. You can’t find your car keys. There is no time for breakfast much less packing lunches. Everyone is yelling. And you are ready to pull your hair out.
Let’s take a deep breath and see what we can do to rectify this situation.
First, we rewind the clock and go back to yesterday. Let’s pretend the kids did their homework. Then they put their homework into their backpack and put their backpack in a designated spot, maybe near the door.
Then, they get their clothes ready for the next day. No more trying to find the “right outfit” at the last minute in the morning. If anything is missing you have time to hunt down the missing socks or shoes before you get ready for bed.
After their homework is done and put in the appropriate spot and their clothes are all laid out for the next day, they have time to make their lunch for school.
Give the kids some responsibility. Expect them to be responsible. This should start at a very early age. Even if they can’t get their clothes ready on their own or make their own lunches yet….this is the time to teach them. Help them decide what to wear (but as the mother of girls…don’t pick their outfits…or you’ll be up all night because they can’t possibly wear what their mother picked out). Let them help make their lunches if they are too young to do it on their own. This is the time to guide them in the direction of “good food choices”.
If you don’t expect the kids to help….they won’t. If you don’t expect the kids to pick up after themselves…they won’t. If you don’t expect the kids to make good choice…they won’t.
Having a routine is crucial. It not only teaches the kids responsibility it also helps to reduce your stress as a parent.
Now back to breakfast. Maybe you might want to set the breakfast table the night before to give yourselves a head start in the morning. Or you might want to pack a quick “take along” breakfast that the kids can eat in the car or at school before school starts.
It is much cheaper and healthier to make your own breakfast at home. You can make a nutritious breakfast in less than five minutes at home. Try cutting up an assortment of vegetables ahead of time and putting them into a tupperware container for use later in the week. Pop a couple of slices of toast into the toaster. Heat up a skilled and throw in a spoonful of vegetables. Stir in an egg and in a couple of minutes you have a nutritious breakfast. Add a few slices of fruit and it gets even better.
The trick is to have everything prepared ahead of time.
My husband makes the world’s best pancakes (just ask the kids!). When he makes pancakes he usually makes up a huge batch and puts two at a time in individual freezer bags. When the kids were younger they just took a bag out of the freezer, popped it into the microwave and in a couple of minutes had a hot and delicious breakfast.
It’s all about planning. That’s what being organized is all about. Planning ahead to make things easier in the future.
The more organized you are now….the less stressed you will be later.
Teach your kids when they are young and it will become a part of their lives.
It’s not an impossible task. And it all starts with you.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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