Mom, do we have a game tonight?

The start of a new school year is a busy time for everyone. The National Association of Professional Organizers, Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-SE-MI) wants to share a few tips to help you ease into your new routines this year.

1. A lot happens the first week of school, so try not to overbook yourself or your children that first week.

2. A week or two before school starts, try to get your kids into the habit of going to sleep a little earlier. Then you won’t have to wrestle with them the first day back to school.

3. Make sure that you have supplies on hand to make it easier for them to accomplish their homework after school – pencils, pens, calculator, glue, markers/crayons/pencil crayons, scissors.

4. Talk to your children about when they should work on their homework and where you expect them to work. Help them to create a functional workspace.

5. Mornings are the most hectic time of the day, so encourage your children to do as much as possible the night before. This includes completing home assignments and projects, making lunches, and picking out tomorrow’s school clothes.

"Heading back to school is an exciting time for some children. It could also be a stressful transition for others. By setting positive routines and structure that meets each child’s needs now, kids and parents can start the year off right," advises Trish Krebs, Chapter member and Vice-President. 

Establishing systems for the school year can be easier than you think! For more organizing tips, visit www.NapoMichigan.blogspot.com.

Article submitted by Chapter member and Immediate Past President, Betty Huotari.