Going back to school can be a stressful time for a family. You’ve just had your last weekend of summer, and you know the kids will not be happy when the alarm goes off Tuesday morning! Here are some tips to help you organize your home for going back to school.
- Set up a workspace. Kids, just like adults, need a clean and quiet space for homework. If you put that space in a communal area, they will a) be comfortable asking you questions as they do their work, and b) be under your supervision for you to keep an eye on them! To teach responsibility, let your children help clean and organize the space. Ask for input on what the space should look like so they feel included, and you can feel confident that the school year will start off right!
- Keep a family calendar. I know, I know. Your calendar is in your smartphone. But only you see that calendar! Keep doctors’ appointments, date nights, and other family events up-to-date. If you have more than one child, use a different colour pen or marker for each one! When your children bring home a newsletter with school events, encourage them to put them on the calendar. Not only will this keep you in the loop and prepared, it will teach your kids to organize their lives and this will pay off in their futures!
- Make a kids’ mailbox. This is one of the best ways to ensure you actually GET the newsletters sent home from your school. Make it a fun family project! You can get unfinished mailboxes at the craft store (like Michael’s, for example), and give the kids creative licence to paint and decorate them as they please.
- Establish a routine. Summertime is generally full of free time unless your kids are at an organized camp. Getting back into a routine is so important to keep your kids (and you!) on track for the next 10 months, and we all know that routines help with good grades and study habits.
- Stay educated as parents. Schools and school boards are ecstatic when parents are involved in students’ lives at school. Resources are everywhere and available whenever you want and need them. For example, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has a Parent Engagement Guidebook which will help you stay involved in your children’s learning.
You can start off the school year right if you take the time to stay organized. Your kids will thank you…maybe not right away, but these good habits will last! Not only will this help you for the rest of your time in your current home, but when it comes time to sell buyers will definitely appreciate the time you’ve taken to organize the house so all they have to do is move in 🙂
