Mornings have become a period of scattered chaos for many families. Disorganization leads to tense mornings of searching for homework and picking out clothes. The stress can quickly lead to anger and a day starting out on the not-so-sunny side of life.
Let a Family Calendar Keep Track of Assignments
Most office supply stores offer an impressive collection of white boards calendars that are sure to meets the needs of any family. As assignments come up, children learn to add the project to the board, usually with a parent standing by. This offers a visual cue to both parent and child of the imposing deadline. Posting assignments will also help children learn to prioritize.
Discuss Homework and Review It
Most morning altercations begin with frantic searches for missing assignments or fear-stricken realizations that a lesson went unfinished. The best way to avoid frustration is to take time in the evening to examine homework to-dos and replace completed work back in the student's folder for the next day.
Clean Out the Backpack
Take a moment to help children clean out their backpacks. While this may take more time initially, after a while children get the hang of it and may even enjoy the feeling of an organized bag. Friday night is a great night to clean out bags since weekly assignments can be reviewed and future assignments can be added to the calendar.
Use a Daily Clothes Organizer
Both parents and children grow fond of this organizational find which eliminates panic-driven clothing decisions in the morning. The hanging units offer compartments for each day of the week which children can fill with an outfit they have selected. Sundays are a great day to pick out the week's wardrobe allowing ample time for a child to plan around weekly activities. For children wearing uniforms, the unit is still nice for underwear, socks and hair accessories.
In Organization, Less is Best
With so many organizational tools on the market it is easy to feel overwhelmed. While all the file folders, cabinets and day planners may seem helpful to adults, they can cause extra stress for children. The more simple a routine, the more likely a child will follow it. Most schools even offer school wide programs to keep children organized, so ask teachers what they prefer and how to implement the program at home. Like most areas of parenting, it is best to take any help offered.
Begin with the End in Mind
Stephan Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, said it best with his second habit, “ Begin with the end in mind.” Use these tips to develop a plan of action for organization and the result can reveal families leaving the house in success mode rather than stressed out. Why not enjoy a few lingering moments with the family at breakfast instead of spending valuable time looking for the missing history book.
Covey, Stephan. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989.
Vivian Nelson Melle - Vivian is a special educator, counselor and mother who turns life experiences into helpful lessons.
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