Back-to-School Checklist
Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel, OnlineOrganizing.com BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES |
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- paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
- shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
- buy extras of "essentials" and put them away for later
- buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
- simplify your child's wardrobe to "mix-and-match"
- take an inventory before heading out to the stores
- shop with a list to avoid buying things you don't need
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CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER |
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- go through closets and give away clothes / shoes that don't fit
- help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
- clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
- spend one day before school starts organizing your child's storage
- do it "with" your kids, and not "for" them
- have each child's room spotless by the night before school starts
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CONTACT THE SCHOOL |
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- find out if any physical examinations or immunizations required
- see if any new registration requirements this year
- get your child's schedule and names of teachers
- names and contact info for your child's classmates' parents
- give school emergency phone numbers to reach you
- designate others who may care for your child in your absence
- get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)
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CREATING A LAUNCHING PAD |
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- set up a spot near the door for items that need to go to school
- backpacks, school books, sports equipment, instruments, etc.
- spend 15 minutes each night gathering supplies for tomorrow
- use a cubby for each kid if you have several children
- no more hunting for missing books and supplies in the morning
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GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME |
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- make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
- do "non-perishables" (juice box, chips, fruit) a week at a time
- put in pantry in lunch bags labeled with child's name and day
- lay out your child's clothes for the entire week on Sat. or Sun.
- collect up school supplies for next day before going to bed
- plan out and shop for a week's worth of dinners at once
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MAKING BEDTIME EASIER |
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- have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
- spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up
- gather all supplies for the next day before bed
- create "calming" rituals (bath, reading, soft music) before bed
- help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime
- stay away from TV late at night
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MORNING RITUALS |
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- set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
- complete your AM routine before the kids start to get going
- simplify your morning routine as much as possible
- complete as many "getting ready" chores the night before as can
- have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
- make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
- create a sense of structure to start off the day
- put breakfast supplies within kids' reach to make things easier
- develop consequences for not being ready on time
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PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER |
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- set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area
- family meeting once a week to discuss each person's schedule
- record each person's appointments in a different color marker
- make each child responsible for reporting his / her activities
- schedule in regular appointments (soccer practice, piano lessons)
- immediately transfer dates from other schedules to your calendar
- be sure to block off family time at least once a week
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TEACHING KIDS TO SET BOUNDARIES |
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- limit the number of extra-curricular activities at one time
- limit amount of artwork that may be displayed at one time
- when a new piece of artwork goes up, one must come down
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