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Getting Ready for Back-to-School
By Kathy Jenkins, Professional Organizer, Come To Order

It seems that summertime gets shorter and shorter every year - especially if you're a kid - or the parent of a kid. The transition into a new school year is annually greeted with mixed feelings of anticipation, excitement, fear and regret. Summer is over and it's time to go back to the grind. The whole ritual does not only affect the children, but the entire family as a whole. Sleep schedules have to be put into place and strictly adhered to, eating schedules redefined, homework and curfew rules, television, clothing…the list seems endless. As a parent myself I must admit that in my family summer is a time to be lazy – literally bringing meaning to the phrase, “enjoy the lazy days of summer.” But, when school time comes around we all have to work, as a family unit to make the transition smooth and as pleasant as possible. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Bedtimes. Establish a "school bedtime routine" two to three weeks prior to the beginning of a new school year.

2. Eating schedules. With the hectic schedules we sometimes have, a family style meal is a wonderful way to find out what is going on with the kids - to give praise for the great things that happened that day and find out where they may need some help.

3. Homework and curfew rules. Before school starts plan a homework and curfew schedule. Sit down and discuss the rules with your children. Be sure that they know these rules are not to be broken. Is the television allowed on? When is homework to be done? How late is the telephone allowed? What is the school night curfew?

4. Clothing. Before going school shopping with your children discuss what types of clothing will and will not be allowed. Try getting into the habit of having outfits prepared the night before to eliminate some of the last minute, frantic rushing around. Have older kids take responsibility for laundering, ironing and caring for their clothing. If you have younger kids, keep in mind that they will be wearing these clothes all day. Going to the bathroom may be a problem for very young kids if they are forced to contend with zippers and difficult buttons and snaps.

As a family, work together. Remember, back to school does not just effect the lives of your children but the entire family unit as well. Create and discuss new rules and schedules. Listen to and consider feedback from other family members, they might just have something to contribute that you hadn’t thought of. But remember; once a rule or schedule is accepted and decided upon enforce it. It is possible to start a new school year smoothly and enjoy it.

Some content for this article was contributed by: Dianne Loomis -  Pagewise Inc., http://meme.essortment.com/backtoschool_rcjv.htm

© 2007, Kathy Jenkins, Come To Order

Kathy Jenkins is a Residential Professional Organizer, Student Organizer, Certified Family Manager Coach, Writer and Speaker based in Richmond, Virginia. She is a member of NAPO, NSGCD and ABWA and is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. Kathy especially enjoys working with kids and their families to help them learn good organizational skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.