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:

---

🎯 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.

---

🗓️ 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.

---

🧠 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.

---

🧩 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.”

---

🌳 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

---

🧘 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.

---

🎉 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
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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....   

The Hidden Cost of Wasting Time and How to Stop

The Hidden Cost of Wasting Time During the Day

We all get the same 24 hours in a day—but how we use them makes all the difference. If you’ve ever ended your day wondering, "Where did all the time go?", you’re not alone. Wasting time seems harmless in the moment, but over time, it can affect your productivity, mood, and even your long-term goals.

---

Why Do We Waste So Much Time?

Wasting time isn’t always about being lazy. More often, it’s about how we manage our attention and energy.

Here are some common reasons:

• Digital distractions: Social media, texts, and endless scrolling eat up more time than we realize.
• Procrastination: We avoid tasks that feel overwhelming or boring.
• Lack of planning: Without a schedule or to-do list, it’s easy to lose track of time.
• Multitasking: Trying to juggle too many things at once can slow you down.

---

What Happens When We Waste Time?

The effects might not be obvious right away, but over time, they pile up.

• 📉 Lower productivity – Tasks take longer and quality often suffers.
• 😰 Higher stress levels – You feel rushed and behind on important responsibilities.
• ❌ Missed opportunities – Valuable time slips away that could be used for growth or connection.
• 🌀 Loss of discipline – The more you waste time, the harder it becomes to break the cycle.

---

5 Simple Ways to Stop Wasting Time

The good news? Small changes can have a big impact. Try these tips to take back control of your day:

1. Set Daily Priorities

• Choose 2–3 key goals to focus on.
• Ask yourself: “What will make today feel successful?”

2. Time Block Your Tasks

• Break your day into chunks.
• Dedicate each block to a specific activity—and stick to it.

3. Cut the Noise

• Silence non-urgent notifications.
• Use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites.

4. Take Intentional Breaks

• Step away every 60–90 minutes.
• Stretch, walk, or do something that refreshes your mind.

5. Reflect and Adjust

• Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day asking:
• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What can I do differently tomorrow?

---

Final Thoughts

Time is precious—and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. By becoming more aware of how you spend your time and making a few intentional adjustments, you can transform your day from scattered to successful.

Start small. Be consistent. Your future self will thank you.

 

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....   

Clearing Out Other People's Stuff

It's great when clients want to clear out/declutter/purge things that they no longer use or want. After the purge we can start the organization process and help them set up new systems that work better for them - so that they can find things easily and aren't buying the same things over and over again - because they couldn't find it.

But - just because one person in the relationship (or family) is ready to "let go" of their unwanted, unused or outgrown possesions - doesn't mean that the other person in the relationship feels the same way.

For some clients they feel that they have the "right" or "permission" to throw away/discard - other people's possessions. And that is a BIG "NO". 

Even if the client tells me that "it's OK and they have given me permission" to discard their items - I always want to get the other person's buy-in first. Because sometimes - the other person doesn't know anything about the intended "purge".

Not everyone is on the same page as to what is "clutter or junk or useless". And not everyone has the same idea on how decluttered or minimalistic they want the house to look.

There is a great article that really brings all of this to light.....read it below >>>

Secret Purges, Tense Standoffs: The War Over Household Clutter

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....   

WORLD ORGANIZNG DAY

 

WORLD ORGANIZING DAY  

May 20, 2025

   In honor of World Organizing Day  - take a few moments and look around the room that you are standing in and pick up one item that you no longer use or even just like anymore. Put it into your donation box.

Now do the same with each room in your home. Just one item. 

Everyone has numerous items in their home and closets that they rarely ever use and sometimes they don't even know that they have the item. So this is a great day to do a quick and painless purge.

As a Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant I always tell my clients that Organizing is not a "one and done" activity. As you go through life - your tastes change, your interests change - yet we still have things that no longer represent "us".

Start a new habit and go through your home at least twice a year (once a season is even easier) and take a look at each room and closet and let go of things that no longer serve a purpose in your life.

Lose your clutter and lose your stress! Make getting Organized a part of your everyday life!

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....