Type up the important stuff, like class schedules, team rosters and carpool buddies and paste them onto the blank purple pages. The extra weight allows you to flip to them quickly.

Posted by: Cathy - August 7, 2008 1:59 PM

we did most of our back to school shopping back in June, so we could avoid the crowds right before it starts.

another tip is to start going to bed earlier NOW and practice getting up early so that it is not such a shock to their systems once school rolls around!

Posted by: workout mommy - August 7, 2008 2:28 PM

Get the list of school supplies from your child's school or website and shop early before the hard-to-find supplies are just that! Even if it is a general list and your child may not be required to have everything on it (keep receipts for returns, if necessary) I always find it is better to have than have not; and it is one more thing I can check off of my to-do list!

Posted by: Cathy R - August 7, 2008 2:38 PM

During the school year after homework is completed and checked (my kids are still pretty young) they pack up their back packs and put them on a hook by the back door. That way in the morning NO ONE is running around looking for something and trying to get out the door to catch a bus or carpool. We had to easiest and calmest mornings last school year. The best thing is to start the day off right. It sets the tone for the day.

Posted by: maryfrances - August 7, 2008 2:41 PM

Loving the ideas that are shared thus far! Mine is fairly simple and applies year-round. Carve out time for the family by designating one night each week that is totally off limits. As you fill in your planner with the various activities and events for the fall, anticipate the particularly hectic times and change it to two nights in a week that looks to be a doozy. Book it as "family fun" and look forward to reconnecting!

Posted by: Shelley - August 7, 2008 3:55 PM

Planning meals in advance is a biggie here too! (which is why I love the new shopping pad)

Having the kids get their clothes out the night before alleviates struggles in the morning and also saves the "I don't have anything to wear......"

Posted by: Janet - August 7, 2008 4:11 PM

When getting ready for the first day of school there are always things you can't put in a backpack or by the front door (refridgerated items, etc.).
Write the item on a post-it and place the note on the backpack to jog your memory before you leave the house.

Posted by: Kate - August 7, 2008 4:32 PM

With three kids in 3 different schools - getting them organzied before we start back is crazy. I line up 3 plastic storage bins in the spare room. I make a check list for each one and tape it to the bin. As we get our supplies, uniforms, bookbags, etc. are purchased - they are put in each child's bin - and it gets checked off the list. Everything is easy to find and I know what is missing!

Posted by: Suzanne - August 7, 2008 5:54 PM

If it can be packed or done the night before it makes the mornings a lot easier. I pack my gym bag, lunches, group snacks for my preschooler or Kindergartener, the dry cleaning for my husband, etc....and if it can go in the car the night before it is there. That way all we have to do is get ready for school and eat breakfast.

Posted by: Kristen - August 7, 2008 6:47 PM

This year each of my three daughters will be going to a different school. So, in order to keep my sanity, I have located my neighbors who have kids going to the same schools and coordinated carpools. This provided an opportunity to get to know my neighbors better and to same some gas!

After the back to school rush was over last year, I shopped the marked down school supplies that Target over-bought. So this year, before going to the store to fill our supply lists, we went through our school supply cabinet and marked off the things we already have and even used some supplies that were barely used last year (glue, highlighters, red pens). I was so excited to cut our lists down to just a few things rather than $40 worth per child.

So -- my advice is to get your supplies this year and then go back to Target the second week or so in September and get the mark downs for next year! Can you believe they mark down pens and markers and scissors? Believe it!

Posted by: JaNan - August 7, 2008 10:50 PM

I have already started and almost finished doing a major cleaning of the house (closets included). I can't think or function with the house in a mess. I also purchased the supplies earlier. I too have meals planned, prepped and frozen in the freezer for the first several weeks of school. Now I need to get some clothes shopping done so the kid's feel special on the their first days at school. I know this is a drag, but I can recommend doing all the ironing at once verses at the last minute. It can also save you from looking at an ironing board all the time. Most people I know iron on an as needed basis. I rather get it out of the way and done. The closet organizers with the days of the week on them is great for kid's also. They can get their own clothes out and on in the mornings. Then I can get the younger ones ready!!!

Posted by: Cindy - August 7, 2008 11:25 PM

The night before school I do like most people and put all items by the door and include what my 3 year old will wear the next day including pullups! I have a very worn out old planner I have all my papers crammed into for each month and I have just ordered my first planner and cannot wait to get it!!!!

Posted by: Suzanne - August 8, 2008 8:54 AM

My children and I create a menu of snack and lunch choices at the beginning of each school year. There are 4 categories - snack, fruit/vegetable, bread/meat and dessert. The menu is edited throughout the year but enables both mother and child to easily decide on healthy lunches and snacks that will actually be consumed at school. Packing snacks and lunches everyday is a chore made easier by simply picking and choosing - this also helps with the grocery shopping list!

Posted by: Tamra - August 8, 2008 9:11 AM

Take one day in early August and hire a babysitter (or enlist the help of your parents) and go on the first shopping trip BY YOURSELF. Even if you buy nothing on that trip you can scope out the choices and guide your children toward reasonably priced options.

Posted by: Angela Koblitz - August 8, 2008 1:24 PM

Sit down as a family on Sunday afternoon and go over your schedule for the week. Include your children as much as possible. This will help them learn to be good planners and will help them with time management no matter how old or young they may be. On school days, I like to wake up 1/2-1 hour before the kids so I can have some quiet time before the day starts. If I do this, I am less stressed out and rushed and things seem to go much smoother!

Posted by: Katherine Miller - August 8, 2008 1:58 PM

For my two children (ages 7 & 9) we have "launch pads", which are simple plastic crates that sit by the front door, where they put their backpacks. Each afternoon or evening they prepare as much ahead of time as possible, so they are ready to "launch" the next morning. I have a 5x7 index card on the side to remind them what needs to go in, because some things have to wait until the morning (i.e. lunch, folder, snack, notes). While they are off at school I may even sign a field trip permission form, etc. and have it in their "launch pad" for them to pack up when they come in from school. We also try to
lay out clothes, prep breakfast, and have as much organized the night before, so we aren't so rushed for time in the morning. Each child also has a list on a 5x7 card in a plastic frame to remind them of what needs to be accomplished from the the time they get up until they get on the bus. A little prep really makes our mornings go so much easier and we tend to be ready for our day and SOME days we even have time to read a good book before school!!

Posted by: Darla - August 8, 2008 3:42 PM

We've really made a point at our house to sit down at the dinner table and talk about our day. Sounds a bit cliche, perhaps, but it's amazing how much the kids open up when there are no distractions and the focus is just on them. We also find that we can't just ask, "How was your day?" or we'll hear the pat response, "Fine." Instead, we ask specific questions, such as "What is one thing that made you proud today?" or "What's one thing you wish you would've done differently?" Even "Who did you play with at recess?" seems to spark some recollection of the events of the day. My husband and I also share about our day, as well, so the kids learn about what we do and can ask us questions too. It's such a valuable part of our family time!

Posted by: Paula - August 8, 2008 4:03 PM

A couple of weeks before school starts is a great time to start getting back into some sort of routine if you haven't had one for the summer. Regular bedtimes and wake-up times and time set aside for reading all help kids ease back into the structure of the school year.

Posted by: KarenG - August 8, 2008 4:58 PM

Set up a station for school work and notes to be deposited. Our kids empty there bags first thing and we know what is homework, needs our attention and is finished papers every night!

Posted by: Kim - August 8, 2008 6:16 PM

Start selling last years "school clothes" on ebay... you'll be surprised how much $$$ you make to purchase "new" clothing for this year.

Posted by: Debra Dodge - August 8, 2008 6:21 PM

The week before school, my daughter's school has an open house for parents and children. On that day we have a "pretend 1st day of school day" - a dry run of how the day might go. We get up and eat breakfast, get dressed, grab our things and hop in the car. I am the "bus driver" and I drive my daughter's bus route to school. We get to her school, attend the open house where she gets to meet her teacher, see her room, etc. and then we have lunch on school grounds. When it's over, we hop back into my "bus" and follow the bus route home. I've found this not only helps ease pre-school day confusion, jitters & anxiety, but my daughter absolutely LOVES having me there during her "school day".

Posted by: Michelle - August 8, 2008 9:50 PM

The week before school, my daughter's school has an open house for parents and children. On that day we have a "pretend 1st day of school day" - a dry run of how the day might go. We get up and eat breakfast, get dressed, grab our things and hop in the car. I am the "bus driver" and I drive my daughter's bus route to school. We get to her school, attend the open house where she gets to meet her teacher, see her room, etc. and then we have lunch on school grounds. When it's over, we hop back into my "bus" and follow the bus route home. I've found this not only helps ease pre-school day confusion, jitters & anxiety, but my daughter absolutely LOVES having me there during her "school day".

Posted by: Michelle - August 8, 2008 9:51 PM

As a mom of a 2 and 4 1/2 year old who is going back to work in a couple weeks, I'm making sure that my kids are starting the back to school routine by getting up earlier and sticking to a schedule like we will be following when school starts. When school starts, I like to pack lunches and get backpacks ready with things for school the night before. That eliminates the morning craziness. I also make sure I have some healthy dinners in the freezer that I can pull out and defrost on those days where I don't have any idea what's for dinner!

Posted by: Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama - August 9, 2008 7:53 AM

Manage the overload of papers that come home from school the first week of school and throughout the year by purchasing a different colored pocket folder for each child and putting the papers that need to be completed in one pocket and and the ones for information only in the other pocket.

If you purchase a folder with brads, you can hole punch items that need to be kept the entire year (such as your child's schedule in middle/high school, school calendar etc.) and put them in the brads for ready reference.

You can improve your access to this information further by identifying/labeling items in the brads with post-it removable tabs.

Also, you can use a highlighter to indicate due dates for information/fees on the papers you have in each child's folder

Posted by: Nancy - August 9, 2008 8:39 AM

As I fill in the calendar for the year as all the papers come in planning for down time for the kids is so important. It helps recharge them. I also plan date nights for my husband and myself so we can stay connected and not get lost within the chaos 3 little kids can cause!

Posted by: Lora Bunarek - August 9, 2008 10:02 AM

I have 3 stacked trays on my desk. One for each of my kids and one for me. They put any papers I need to look out, fill out, etc. in their tray. After dinner I go through each tray and if there is anything they need to take back to school, it is waiting for them the next morning at their place at the table.

Posted by: Pajamamomma - August 9, 2008 11:47 AM

Before I new about the kitchen folio, I started a 3 ring binder with dividers. I label for each of my 4 kids a divider for projects due, house keeping, coming events..etc., babysitter info., papers I need to save for myself, budget, recipes, meal planning...make your own dividers for your life. It mostly stays in my kitchen so I don't have the "kitchen pile." Always handy for whatever I may need to see or do. Now I've incorporated the page covers, like the "folio,"so nothing gets ruined when I take it out for shopping!! I need all the organization I can get!!!! My kids are 20,6,twins-5.

Posted by: Jimmi - August 9, 2008 1:44 PM

I make lunches from left over dinner

Posted by: damaris - August 9, 2008 5:18 PM

I'm home with my children during the summer and for the last few weeks of August, I let them plan out our days with the things they want to do and/or accomplish yet before the school year starts ... a beach party with friends, one more trip to the zoo, lunch at their favorite restaurant, a lemonade stand in our driveway, etc.

This gives us a chance to reflect on what we've done over the past few months and organize the time we have left! By the time the first day of school comes around, they feel great that they've had several weeks of doing their favorite things, as well as anything we lost track of fitting in earlier during the summer. They go off to school feeling that summer was a great success in being everything they wanted it to be, and they are ready to concentrate on getting ready for school and starting off right for the new school year adventure!

Posted by: jsmmfamiliy - August 9, 2008 5:36 PM

Getting your act together prior to school can be tough. Especially, when you procrastinate like me and I am a teacher. Like others I cleaned out closets, garages and organized. One thing we do is plan menus together make simple, quick and easy I save the other dinners for special occasions. Starting a routine is the biggy I think. Getting into and keep it going. Also, if your kids brown bag it. We do those menus together also. Each day of the week is the same in their lunch then wee switch to another lunch menu. Once keep simple, quick, nutricious and super easy.

Posted by: Julie - August 9, 2008 6:11 PM

I'm home with my children during the summer and for the last few weeks before school starts, I let them plan out our days with things and activities that they want to do and/or accomplish yet ... a beach party with friends, one more trip to the zoo, lunch at their favorite restaurant, putting up a lemonade stand in our drive, etc.

This lets us reflect on what we've done over the past couple months and gives them a chance to do anthing that didn't get "fit in" to our busy summer schedule! We wrap up the warm months feeling like summer has been a great success, and they have renewed energies and spirits to concentrate on starting off the school-year adventure right!

Posted by: jsmmfamiliy - August 9, 2008 6:21 PM

Summer is great but it's always nice to get back in a routine despite the craziness of it all. My husband and I particularly look forward to dinner around the table each evening where we can discuss the day's events. One thing that I find really helps me and is fun for everyone is to let the kids and hubby write down a few of their favorite meals. The only stipulation is it has to be balanced, and I help with this part. Sometimes I'll mix and match favorites, but most of the time I stick with the whole meal suggested. Each day I write the evening menu on a special plate display I have (southern living home) and it is such a delight to see our children's faces light up when their menu has been chosen.

Posted by: Jeanette Rogers - August 9, 2008 7:07 PM

I use netvibes for my Internet home page. It saves me so much time because it shows me the latest feeds from my favorite sites, provides news and weather updates, contains my email and facebook, and much more, including a to do list...this is my favorite way to beat the chaos! I love it.

Posted by: Ashley - August 9, 2008 9:57 PM

I work at a school, and a great tip to help kids with time management is to teach kids how to prioritize assignments. It helps to break time down into units (10-15 minutes each) and have kids learn that larger projects can take up 4 units while smaller homework assignemts may take 1, etc. This is so kids can plan their nights and also break up larger tasks so they won't get overwhelmed (ie: tell them to work for 2 units then take a break/snack)

Posted by: Jess M. - August 9, 2008 10:29 PM

I delegate all the work with organizing dates to my assistant. She reminds me when my children's soccer games, school plays, and parent-teacher nights are. Whenever I have something I need to remember, I email, call, or leave a post-it on her desk. After I wake up each morning, I call her and she gives me my itinerary. I don't know what I'll do without her!

Posted by: Ke - August 10, 2008 2:56 AM

I keep a basket by the door, and one in the trunk of my car. When ever I need take something with me on my errands I throw it in there, and I switch them out. My two year old also has a basket, what ever she wants to take on our errands she throws in there (its a small basket, and limits the toys in my car)

Posted by: Christina - August 10, 2008 10:15 AM

wow! these are all such amazing tips! i've learned a lot.

mine is pretty simple. do absolutely everything you can the night before so the morning of is literally getting up, getting dressed, eating and getting out the door.

and a big one for me...get enough rest so i'm ready to go before my kids get up.

Posted by: crystalyn - August 10, 2008 1:55 PM

Start a schedule either two weeks or a week before school starts. Then have a "hot spot" for everything (i. e. backpacks, shoes, etc.).

Posted by: Heidi - August 10, 2008 6:42 PM

In all the busyness, our stress tends to rub off on our kids, and their behavior tends to show it. Make an extra effort to LOOK AT your kids when you talk to them and when they talk to you. Listen to them. Solid communication can help lower everyone's stress level.

Posted by: Gina - August 10, 2008 6:56 PM

With all the chaos of getting ready for going back to school I think we all forget about ourselves. We,as moms all need to take time for us-something that we like to do-whatever it may be. So when I schedule in my momAgenda,I try and schedule a MY day. This could be once a month , once a week, or once a day. It could also be for a hour or 2. Whatever you need depends on everyones own level of stress. Remember that you have to take care of you, so you can be ready to take care of your family and others. I also plan family day, girls night and date night. With the momAgenda planner and other momAgenda products at your fingertips there are no excuses.

Posted by: melissa - August 10, 2008 7:16 PM

I always write down my child's schedule when we receive it at back to school night. I also write dwn the class schedule so that I can keep track of inportant days in the classroom. We have a master dry erase calendar on the wall and I carry my Mom Agenda with me when we go out. This is very useful when planning appointments. I also make a weeklly menu and keep all things that are needed the next day near the front door. Homework is done as soon as my child gets home after a snack. We have found that getting it all done and then breaking away to do something else works better than doing a little then taking a break and trying to come back and get him refocused.

Posted by: Hope - August 11, 2008 1:14 PM

When I see a fast, fresh and healthy recipe in a magazine, I cut out the page and place it in a binder, within a clear, plastic page protector. With my binder of quick meals, I chose which ones we'll use for the week, shop accordingly and place each night's recipe on a clipboard on the kitchen counter. That way my husband can get dinner started before I get home, and he doesn't have to call me to ask "what's for dinner?"

Posted by: Mary K. - August 11, 2008 2:06 PM

Hey, great tip! I do the same thing in my home... only I use our Kitchen Folio instead of a binder!!

Posted by: momAgenda - August 11, 2008 2:22 PM

Color code.... Each child has a color. I write thier appts/practices in my mom agenda using their assigned color. I also have a folder for each child in their coordinating color to organize thier important papers and game schedules, etc.

Posted by: Andria - August 11, 2008 6:25 PM

I made an envelope full of little yellow "smiley" faces with little magnets on the back of them. Each morning my kids (6,4,3) get to pick out their face (sleepy, happy, grumpy, sad, mad, excited) and post it on the fridge before school. Then on the way to school I play music from my Ipod to help cheer up my (usually tired or grumpy) brood.

Posted by: Christine E. - August 11, 2008 7:33 PM

We are homeschoolers. Each Sunday afternoon, I make a plan for each child of all of the assignments for the week ahead. For the first month, we are doing 4 day weeks, with Mondays reserved for swimming and picking up any supplies I need for the lessons coming up that week. I try to "think forward" and know each everning what I am fixing for breakfast and supper the following day.

Posted by: Dawn - August 11, 2008 9:35 PM

When school begins I use one of the 'kid' spaces for my weekly housework. While I am waiting at gymnastics practice, I put all housecleaning tasks in my momAgenda for the week. Some weeks are so hectic that only 2 or 3 are written down. Even though my house may not be spotless, at the end of each week I know that I have squeezed in all that I can!

Posted by: Chellie - August 11, 2008 9:58 PM

I have twin one year olds who go to daycare while I work full time. To make the mornings easier, I purchased a cute hanging sweater rack that has seven shelves. On Sundays, I place my daughter's clothes on the right side of the rack and my son's clothes on the left. My husband can help get them dressed in the mornings without worrying about finding a matching outfit. I'm sure this would work well for older kids as well. I also lay my work clothes out the night before.

Posted by: Kelly T. - August 11, 2008 10:25 PM

We do the usual things that have already mentioned, with a little different spin:
1) Meal Planning- I subscribe to a meal planning web site & I get meal plans, grocery list and recipes for the entire week. This makes meal plannng a breeze

2) I make breakfast in advance, we do things like breakfast burritos, oatmeal, etc. In the morning, I just microwave, add some fruit or a quick smoothie & we are out the door.

3) Breakfast smoothies- I add flax seed, protien and other goodies to really pack some power into the smoothies. I also freeze bags of fruit already to be thrown into the blender. I add a little whole wheat toast and breakfast is complete.

Posted by: Jessica - August 12, 2008 7:09 AM

I have an about to be preschooler. With a lot of the unknown out there we already had a practice first day of school. I had play time, learning time, snack time, and craft time. That way she knows what to expect on that first day!

Posted by: Amy - August 12, 2008 9:39 AM

I keep a desk calendar posted on the wall (similar to the mom agenda one sold here) and every time there is a date that needs to be marked down- everything from date night to soccer practice it goes on the MASTER Calendar. My kids now know to look at that to see what they have going on. My husband looks at it. It is located in a central place in the kitchen. I also have the old version of the kitchen folio I bought 3 weeks ago (I wish I had waited) and that has all the kids activities information in it and their personal forms that usually have to be turned in at sports registrations and things.

I have recently started shopping with coupons and I have a 3 ring binder for that with pages that I borrowed from my son- they are baseball card sheets. I put the coupons I think I will use in there with my sales paper and my ALL OUT OF sheet where I have checked what we needed and my weekly menu. I am not a great menu planner, so I fail that most of the time. But this is helpful.

We pack backpacks the night before except for lunch. the lunch bags are packed and in the fridge and just have to be placed in the back pack as we walk out the door. All shoes go in a bucket by the door as well as belts. We wear uniforms so there is no arguments about what to wear, but some how we always lose the belt!

Posted by: katrina - August 12, 2008 9:46 AM

This may sound sappy, but at the end of summer and facing all the craziness of that first day of school...I want my kids to know how much I enjoyed my summer with them. I want them to know how proud I am of them, and how I am looking forward to seeing them accomplish their goals in the upcoming year. We talk about our favorite summer memories and begin discussing goals for the new year. This makes us all feel good, and gives us smiles as we face the schedule ahead.

Posted by: Melony - August 12, 2008 11:46 AM

Set up a pencil box at home with supplies to do homework...pencils, sharpener, eraser, ruler, etc. So they can get to their homework quickly and concentrate instead of hunting in a desk or drawer to get started.

Posted by: jenn - August 12, 2008 12:59 PM

I'm actually still a student myself and haven't yet achieved mom status, so my "kids" tend to be my individual classes. As I'm getting ready for the back to school rush I make a point to plan out my class times, finals weeks, and breaks in the semester. It's also helpful to make a list of study locations and testing centers and their hours. I also take a day to go find my classes. This is especially helpful if they are in an unfamiliar building on campus. I also find that it helps lower my stress level to make sure that I have a low-key evening the night before school starts rather than try to pack in one last eventful night. This helps me relax and learn better the next day.

Posted by: Aubrey - August 12, 2008 7:34 PM

I schedule all of my children's dental and medical appointments now (in August) and do my best to have them consecutively on the same day. It saves us so much time. I also try to schedule all the appointments for the year now, before the prime times (during school breaks) fill up.

Posted by: Leah - August 13, 2008 12:39 AM

I have a small 3-ring binder with dividers for each of my children. I put all the information about their school and activities in a different section - one for school, one for soccer, one for ballet, etc. That way everything I need to find is all in one place.

Posted by: Amy - August 13, 2008 7:25 AM

To help eliminate the "what's for breakfast, lunch, & dinner" chaos, I plan out all of the meals for the week and make my grocery list. Once I have gone grocery shopping, I post a list of dinners for each night on the refrigerator. Then I make a list of foods that I purchased by subclass - fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, frozen, snacks, etc. and while making breakfasts and lunches each day, I choose something from each subclass. This helps me give my child variety when packing her lunch and I also know exactly what is in the refrigerator so that nothing is "forgotten" and goes to waste.

Posted by: Christi - August 13, 2008 8:53 AM

I have four kids with three of them going to school. We make sure that they have everything together and labeled with our mabel's labels they are great to help kids know what is theirs and help other kids who thinks that it is their. The website is www.goodfellow.mabel.ca.

I also make a bag that fits their school agenda and any papers that come home from school. This way all they have to do is take the bag out of their backpack and everything is there for me to look at.

I also use the three ring binder with a divder for each kid where their calenders and papers from school go into. That way everything is there and they can also see how they improved over the school year.

Posted by: Nicole - August 13, 2008 10:24 AM

As a mom of four little girls I have a few tricks...
1. we always send our kids to bed at "school" bed time so they never get out of habit and it is so easy for them when school starts back up
2. My girls go to a school were we have to pack lunches so every night before bed the girls are able to pick out two "snacks" from the snack basket (which are single serving snacks i make up on sunday night and place in the basket for them cheap than the stores and most the time healthier since I use organic items)
3. just like at school each child has their own hook to hang coats/sweaters and backpacks on they go there as soon as you get home and all home work goes into them as soon as it is done
4. my girls wear uniforms so it is pretty easy when it comes to picking out clothes but we do pick out everything a week before with the easy hanging monday through firday clothes organizers
5. I get school supplies year round whenever they are on sale... Also school uniforms look and see what you have and then buy a few thing and wait till school starts then come the good sales
6. I make after school snack while my twins are napping and put it in the refrigerator so it is all ready when we get home.
7. on nice days at the witching hour (when dad is on his way home and mom is cooking) i send the kids out side to find my I spy (it changes and is whatever i can think of for the day) if it is not nice out I have special coloring books and markers and such they only get to use while mom is making dinner and we race to see who can finish first Me cooking or them coloring.
8. spelling test are something BOTh my older girls have and it is hard for both girls to get mom time to go over words with me after school so one girl does it while I am making dinner and the other does it at snack or in the morning while I am making breakfast.
9. I like to give the girls a hot breakfast atleast 3 times a week so i sometimes will make the biscuts the night before and just heat them up at breakfast
10. Enjoy yourself and the kids I think we rush through this trying to get everything done we forget they are only going to have the first day of ____ grade one time (or so we hope LOL) enjoy it jornal take pictures color with them and have a great time.

Posted by: Michelle Price - August 13, 2008 1:19 PM

My kids have enjoyed participating in packing their own lunch the night before. This gives them an opportunity to pack what they like (e.g. type of lunch meat or fruit), cut or not cut their sandwich, and add in a small treat of their choice.
I also have each of children assigned a color for the calendar; this way it sticks out to them (& me too) who has what. I simply highlight their items with a designated color.
I also schedule appointments ahead on holidays (e.g. Columbus Day) so they can all go the same day & not cut into their after school time.
We also typically go to breakfast or lunch on the day when they go to school to see the class lists posted. This makes the day extra special to them.

Posted by: kim - August 13, 2008 1:43 PM

We started purchasing our school supplies earlier because when it gets closer to school starting the shelves start getting bare. I find that setting the bedtime earlier is easier on the kids as we get closer to school starting.

Posted by: rachelM - August 13, 2008 1:52 PM

My tip isn't so much to keep me organized but to keep me in the loop with my daughter (5). Every night before bed time I sit in her room with her to talk. We play something called 5 questions. She gets to ask me any 5 questions she wants and then I get to ask her 5 questions. It helps me find out what happened during the day and even get an insight as to what's come. During the summer I know just about everything that's going on but during the school year so much happens that I miss out on. I think it's a good way for us to keep connected.

Posted by: Jessica - August 13, 2008 2:11 PM

We take some time during the weekend to pick out all of my son's clothes for the upcoming week. We lay it all out by day, make sure everything is there for each day, and tag it with a fun tag I've made with each day of the week on it. Hopefully, this leads to less stress each morning. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't :)

Posted by: megan - August 13, 2008 2:31 PM

Pick out clothes with your child one time each week and put them together for the child to dress themselves.

Posted by: Karen scoffield - August 13, 2008 3:00 PM

When we get the academic calendar for the year, I put all the dates into the planner immediately. This helps when schedule doctor/dentist/ortho appointments though the year. Also, I add when MAJOR projects are due and insist they be finished two days before. That allows for anything missed or thought of (or editing) to be done.

Posted by: Cindy - August 13, 2008 3:32 PM

I've divided my kids' bookshelves into individual cubbies (one has built-in's, the other has file dividers). Their books are colour-coded per school subject and only one subject is stored per cubby. This way there are never any books/assignments/homework forgotten at home - when packing their bags for the next day they know that if the cubby is empty they have everything they need - less stress for everybody!

Posted by: Jan McWilliams - August 14, 2008 11:44 AM

I have one child who is Lactose intolerant and one that is not so this year starting preschool I am sending a bag of snacks to his teacher at the beginning of each month to eliminate him eating things that might not digest properly.

Also when we go to church or to the gym where we have different child care workers I have made stickers for him to wear that say "I am Lactose Intolerant look in my bag for my snack" this eliminates explaining to each person what he can and cannot have.

One other great thing we do at home is place stickers on all the snacks in the pantry that he can have. The stickers say "Coleman's Food" This allows the babysitter know what foods he can and cannot have.

Posted by: Blake - August 15, 2008 11:32 PM

Sounds like many of us are on the same page when it comes to nifty organizational tips! Here are a few of my tried & true favorites:
1- Preparing a lunch & snack menu - My kids pack lunch everyday, except one & it's hard to come up with creative ideas on the spot. Each year before school starts, we design lunch menus that everyone can agree on. Healthier options paired with special treats now & then! Not only do my kids enjoy the variety & choices, my husband & I don't get frustrated trying to come up with "what to pack" everyday! Just pick a menu & pack everything listed for that day! This makes grocery shopping easier too!
2- Set your weekly dinner menus & shop the week/weekend before. As a mom of three & a full time employee, I make sure my meals are planned out for the week & shop on Friday or over the weekend so I'm not caught at the last minute without that one key ingredient! I subscribe to an online website that supplies me with a weekly menu, grocery list & even pairs with the weekly grocery store sales! It makes meal planning a breeze! If I have a night that I know we will be pushed for time, I choose something quick & easy or make it the night before! This has really helped our busy family save money & eat healthier too! Check out emealz.com - it's a great site & very affordable - under $2.00 per week!
3- Label everything!! Invest in a label maker, laminate cute name tags, order iron on labels for your kids clothing or just keep a permanant fabric marker handy! Especially if your kids are in uniforms - everyone's things look the same! I use a great company called "Stuck on You" for personalized labels of all types - cute stuff!
4- Savor every second & try not to sweat the small stuff! One of the best tips I ever received was simply to just enjoy my children - not to get so wrapped up in the process that you forget why you're doing it in the first place! Happy Mothering!! It's the best & most blessed job there is!

Posted by: Wendy Cummings - August 16, 2008 9:41 AM

Make a list everyday of who is going where after school. I have this on a dry erase board on my fridge. That way I know who is where and until when and the numbers where I can contact them at. Sure the evening before when Giggles asks if she can go to so and so's after volleyball I say yes but then freak out the next day when I have forgotten.

Posted by: DomesticExtraordinaire - August 17, 2008 10:06 AM

Dinner time is much less stressful if I plan out the weekly menu using "theme nights." Some of the favorites ... International Night (Spanish night -nachos and toppings - and great to practice Spanish lessons, Chopsticks - everyone practices eating with chopsticks, small bite-size foods), Fondue night, Thursday Crepes or Casserole. Another is Lazy Leftovers Night ... leftovers go on a big lazy susan, one spin, and you get what lands in front of you! When the weather is nice, we do Friday Pizza at the Pool or cookout at our neighborhood playground.

This lets me enjoy the afternoon instead of trying to pull together dinner.

Posted by: Elizabeth - August 18, 2008 4:36 PM

I color-code each of us on the calander using an assigned different colored highlighter. A quick glance tells me who has something coming up.

Posted by: Amy P. - August 19, 2008 8:39 AM

I make casseroles and dinners ahead of time and freeze them so I'm not rushing around making dinner every night.

Posted by: Jeana - August 19, 2008 9:52 AM

I have my neices compete in the morning with the timer....whichever is faster more than 3 times a week, gets a special treat the following week. Trust me, Incentives work!

Posted by: bina - August 20, 2008 12:33 PM

I have 8 kids, 2 in high school, 5 home schooled and a 1 year old. Add to this the fact that I am organizationally challenged and it gets pretty crazy around here at times. So, this year for our home school I bought a plastic sweater box for each child & 1 for myself. All of their school supplies go in their box except for books. The books go in a magazine file that is labeled w/each child's name. The files are tape together w/colored duct tape. Also their boxes are labeled w/names. Next I bought 2 of those plastic drawers w/3 drawers each and labeled 5 of the drawers w/names. This is where they will put their papers to be graded and the last drawer holds extra paper. I got all of our supplies as cheaply as possible by watching the sale ads every week.
Angela

Posted by: Angela - August 21, 2008 2:48 AM

We start a no screen time (tv, computer, wii) policy starting in September for school days and nights. It really helps my young kids get off to a good start of focusing on school, homework, reading and sports schedules. It is also a useful "reward" for finishing homework and reports by the weekend.

We also have a simple morning check-off chart so our 4 kids can be ready for the bus: Beds (make-them), Breakfast, Bathroom (teeth, hair, potty), Backpacks. I need their help to get out the door on time, so this lets them know what they have to do.

Posted by: Bev - August 21, 2008 11:14 PM

Always do everything that needs to be done the night before because no matter how tired you are you will not want to have even more on your plate in the morning.

Posted by: Amanda Regan - August 23, 2008 9:17 AM

Wheather you are trying to get the kids to daycare, the babysitters or playgroup- it is so easy to forget something, but this is a great solution!

Find a luggage tag- you can buy a cute one at Hallmark or take one off of a suitcase in the attic- then take out the part where your name and address would go. Next, make a list of everything that you need in your diaper bag- diapers, bottles, etc...- and insert it in the luggage tag. Then attach this to the diaper bag!

This is especially great if you are expecting dad to pack the bag- just remind him to go down the checklist!

Use one you already have or check out these great tags from a Tags on Bags on etsy!

Posted by: The Daily Mom Spot - August 23, 2008 10:20 AM

I think you have to have a giant chalk board or white erase board and write everything down. That way you don't overbook yourself

Posted by: randi - August 25, 2008 12:47 PM

I think having seperate homework bins for each child helps you stay more organized. You can see what needs to be done and each child can see if there's anything in their basket

Posted by: randi - August 25, 2008 12:49 PM

When making a meal, double everything... except your portions on your plate... but freeze half for an easy meal for the following week

Posted by: sarah b - August 25, 2008 4:59 PM

I like to get that school calendar and transfer all dates to our regular calender. This makes life easier.

Posted by: Julie Kenyon - August 26, 2008 12:59 AM

Stock up the year before. Get the necessities when they go on sale the year before to beat the long lines

Posted by: Michelle - August 26, 2008 2:31 AM

different color highlighters! We have a giant calendar....and I have 2 teens...everytime something comes up...activity, appointment, deadline, I write it down and highlight it with the color assigned to the family member...and if it applies for both kids, both adults, all of us...we have colors for that too!
COLOR CODING is my answer...THANKS

Posted by: Sharon Jones - August 26, 2008 6:12 AM

We use an online calendar through google and color coordinate everyone's schedules. It's all online so we can all access it and the colors make it easy to see who is doing what...when...

Posted by: Caryn B - August 27, 2008 3:32 AM

My tip is simply using a calendar. I put everything on the calendar, with times. I have a master calendar in my kitchen and one in my purse.

Posted by: Cheryl - August 27, 2008 10:43 AM

Pack everything the night before.

Using your online calendar to schedule everything. As an added bonus, Yahoo calendar will send a reminder to your cell phone.

Posted by: Channah @ Get a Grip, Mom! - August 27, 2008 5:35 PM

A tip I find really useful with my three children is saving the address labels that occasionally come in the mail from various charities as labels for the kids school supplies and books.

If you make a minimal donation in your child's name to a child-friendly organization (such as a zoo or pediatric hospital) you can usually get some very cute labels with your child's name and make a charitable donation to a worthy cause at the same time.

Posted by: Shannon - August 27, 2008 10:34 PM

Here is my tip nice a simple: Plan, plan, plan! Have enough outfits for your kids for the week, have a weekly menu for dinner and have your days planned out as good as possible! More importantly put a few hours aside just to snuggle and hug and love your kids up!

Posted by: geri zagorianos - August 29, 2008 12:37 AM

for each holiday on the calendar...go back one month...and jot down what needs to be done or bought for that holiday. It helps to organize you so that you won't be caught catching up at the last minute.

Posted by: strawberrygal2007 - August 31, 2008 2:35 PM

I not only plan meals ahead but I cut my cooking in half by cooking like things with like things. For example, if I've got ground beef and am making meatloaf I'll also brown ground beef and make stroganoff. One on the stove and one in the oven so I don;t run out of room. And I don't have to worry about cooking every night.

Posted by: valmg - August 31, 2008 10:14 PM

i am a mom who works full time and has 6 kids 11, 10, and 9,year old girls a 6 year old boy, and 5 year old twin girls.
4 of the kids have special needs five of the kids get therapy out of the home. three are in special schools and they are in 4 different schools I find being organized works best for me i stay ontop of the schools and get school supply lists and school calendars as soon as they have them available i do all back to school shopping as early as possible even for uniforms school supplies etc we organize the house for back to school over the summer we come up with a plan together. i have a ten minute alone session with each child to talk about their day and their feelings its a great way to keep ontop of whats going on in their lives and let them know that im there for them. we have a master list on a big poster board with a dinner chart chore chart and time line for therapy, dinner, bath, and bed time. also incentive chrts so they can see how they listen with a prize at the end and everyone has a list of jobs (to his or her ability) take out garbage-put new bag in-help make dinner set table etc. they feel like they are part of the machine that makes this home work and i get the help i need i keep my moms agenda with me always and have all our schedules in there people laugh but they know thats how i keep it going i give each child a copy of the lists for their room so they can have their own with a month at a glance version of school and social events one month at a time so they can feel some control

Posted by: tova - September 3, 2008 12:03 AM

Create a weekly "to do" calendar to keep track of all you need to do and any events that are happening. By making a calendar, you will not forget anything!

Posted by: Lara - September 3, 2008 12:54 PM

My youngest and I share time together after school. We sit and watch my oldest practice softball for school. This gives us a chance to get caught up on school work, talk about the day, read, or just be still. I think he enjoys this time in the afternoon.

Posted by: Tina - September 3, 2008 1:55 PM

The thing that has saved me from fumbling around more than a time or two is simple but effective:

When I write my appointments down on my calendar, I also write down the person's phone number. Even though I have my docs, etc. programmed in my phone, maybe my phone's downstairs and i need to make a change or confirm my appointment. It's especially helpful when the appointment is with someone I don't see often, like Mr. Tree Trimmer Man. And another way it helps: when I need Mr. Tree Trimmer Man again, all I need to remember is the month he last visited, and I've got his phone number handy.

Posted by: Christine - September 5, 2008 2:52 PM

1. make a weekly menu and grocery list based on that menu. Include all school snacks and lunches. That way you will only need to go grocery shopping once for the whole week.

2. always prepare school outfits from the night before. That way you don't risk finding the stains on your daughter's shirt as she is running out the door to catch the school bus.

3. keep fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, avocadoes and cut-up veggies on hand for the kids to snack on when they get home from school and in the afternoon. That way the "I'm hungry" spiel during homework doesn't develop into a huge distraction.

Posted by: Elisa - September 9, 2008 5:45 PM

We have two kitchen drawers, one for each child, dedicated to homework only. They hold the papers, the pencils, calculators, rulers, erasers -- everything and anything that is needed for homework time. No running around and looking for somethinig to distract from work. Saves time and keeps everyone on task, which makes for a calmer, smoother evening at our house.

Posted by: Lisa Ray - September 11, 2008 9:36 AM

To prevent morning madness the kids and I made "breakfast cards". Each one has a picutre and name of the item. i.e.- cheerios. This way the boys pick their card the night before and set it at their table place. When morning comes I look at the card and that is what thet get!

Posted by: Jessica - September 12, 2008 9:33 AM

I say, wait two weeks after school has begun and get whatever you can from the basket in the front of the store. Also borrow supplies from moms whose kid has moved onto college. Be sure they still have a cabinet full of stuff they will never use.
And about lunch, have them find lunch from the fridge and if they don't make it they don't eat. THen you get help with grocies list and many other things when they are hungry all day.
see me on Facebook. FM LYons

Posted by: fm lyons - September 13, 2008 4:58 PM

We have a huge whiteboard in the kitchen - one side is marked with the days of the week and the other is for noting upcoming events.
We each have our own color marker and there is a color for "general" as well. Weekly events (like music lessons) don't get erased and single events come and go.
Everyone writes their upcoming activities on one side and I see to it that the day-by-day side stays accurate. This has really helped us all.

Posted by: Susan - September 14, 2008 11:02 AM

I have for children, ages 8, 7, 4 , and 2. We have started a dinner-time ritual, Peaks and Pits - "borrowed" this ideas from a friend. We each take a turn of sharing our own Peak - or high point of the day- as well as our own Pit - something we didn't like, could have down better, made us sad, etc. It's a great way to hear about what is going on in the classroom, on the playground, with the the team-mates, etc.

Another fun thing I do with the kids is help with make their own "original" trial mix. Each child likes different ingredients, so I buy a variety of little snacks, trying new products as they come out, and I have a box of snack-size baggies. Each child makes their on daily snack for school...really cuts down on waste, helps the kids try new things, teaches responsibility, etc.

Also, I bought 6 inexpensive baskets, one for each member of the family, to help me with the dreaded chore of pairing socks. As I pair socks and sort through undergarments, I simply toss them into the correct box (each person has a different color). Everyone knows where the clean stuff is and can also transfer the items to their own rooms.

Posted by: Michele O - September 21, 2008 2:40 AM

My tip is to regularly, and ruthlessly, get rid of things you no longer want, need, or use. Donate them, give them away, or throw them out. Having less stuff to organize making organizing much easier.

Posted by: Go Amie - September 22, 2008 1:48 PM

My life-saving tip is to carry my planner EVERYWHERE. As soon as I hear an important date or make an floating around in my purse, and I NEVER miss appointments. I also write down important dates for my husband and son so I always know (and can remind them) what's going on in their lives.

Posted by: Alexis - September 24, 2008 11:25 AM

Don't over-commit at the beginning of the school year! It's easy to get excited and want to organize a zillion playdates and join all of the parent organizations, but you'll be overwhelmed fast. Take it slow!

Posted by: Naomi - September 24, 2008 10:47 PM

My husband and I will plan dinner for the week based on our work schedules. Sometimes he cooks and sometimes I do so it's nice to have it all laid out before so there is no question on what are we having. It's made a HUGE improvement on our daily schedules.

Posted by: Erica M. - January 2, 2009 9:33 AM