GET READY, GET SET, GET SCHOOLED

As August hurries to a close, thoughts turn to the beginning of the school year and all the organizational tasks that have to be completed before the bell rings marking the beginning of the first class. These tasks include lining up clothes and uniforms that fit and buying the required supplies that appear on the endless lists provided by the various schools. It also means modifying schedules to accommodate bus pick-ups or parent drop-offs, or student drive times. It includes taking time to calm some children’s fears and curb other’s enthusiasm and unrealistic expectations. It means finding the time to accomplish all that needs to be done. Before the doors even open, you may find that you have lost control of your time and your budget and are rapidly losing your patience and what is left of your mental health.

It is just this kind of environment that promotes disorganization that leads to permanent clutter and chaos. Here are a few hints to help you stay in control until the little (or big) angels start to school and the family adapts to the new routine.

Take a deep breath and assess what needs to be done. It helps to make a list with due dates beside each item.

Solicit help from the family to accomplish tasks. You might even make a game of it by posting the list in a prominent place and see which family member can complete his/her assignments first. This also teaches younger children to plan and meet deadlines, a skill they will appreciate during the school year.

Keep track of what you spend. If you have not prepared for this year's expenses, you will have a basis for estimating next year’s expenses. You can also minimize initial expense by buying only a one month supply of each item. Once your child is in school, you will have a better idea of what is needed and what is “cool”. I still have a supply of No. 2 pencils which, for some reason, were not “right”

Keep behind the clutter. Throw away packaging. Find a space for the supplies as you buy them. Give away the clothes that don’t fit rather than letting them pile up in a corner. Make sure the children get their rooms “study ready”. At least clear a space to get homework and put down the books.

Let some things go. Do you really need to dust this week? Can you skip a meeting? Can you wash the car next week? There are only so many hours in the day and managing your time requires making choices and setting priorities. School is not going to wait, so what will wait?

Take care of yourself. You and your family come first, so make sure you have adequate rest, nutrition and recreation. After all, summer is ending and school is right around the corner. Health and happiness are always top priorities.

Beverly and Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net