Many a busy mom (and dad) can tell you how fighting to stay organized and up-to-date with the wide array of activities, appointments, meetings, and special events is a very strenuous task. While not fully comprehensive, the following list should help make getting ready for school easier.
Invest in a family calendar. The single most important thing you can do to combat the stress you may feel each day is write down things that need to be completed. By doing this you can allot a certain time or day for tasks to be completed, thereby gaining a truer view of the full picture.
Keep a list of school items needed. If you’re not ready to shop for the supplies just yet when you do go to stores for other items, you should take a peek in the “back to school” aisles or clothing racks to find good deals or limited time only sales that you can note. Create a list of the items needed and the stores you shop at. Whenever you go through the store jot down the prices for your own comparison later. This will help you out when you’re ready for the big shopping trip.
Check your dates. Find your child’s school registration date by grade and be sure to add this to your calendar. Check below for a few great calendar and personal organizer options. If your child needs immunizations or a physical completed don’t forget to jot down the scheduled appointment.
Start a “school only” savings jar. During the school year your child make take school pictures (sometimes more than once) or may get involved in a fundraising project, the list can go on. Start now and put aside a little bit however often you can for school events and activities. This will save additional calculating if you’ve already budgeted your monthly expenses only to find out your child has a class party coming up and you want to contribute.
Take time to make time. Dedicated a certain time at the start or end of your week to make plans and go over your schedule for the upcoming week.
- Amy Knapp’s family organizer You’ll love the tear out weekly grocery list on each page spread. The focus seems to be on meal planning. Buy it at Borders book store.
- Mom’s Grab and Go Calendar This is a nice little calendar that can be propped up on your desk or folded up for a purse ride.
- BusyBody Book This is one of the best family schedule organizers yet. It allows you to separate weekly schedules for the different members of your family on one neat page.
Organizing tools for the tech savvy family
- Remember the Milk This great online application can be used to stay on top of your to-do lists.
- SpringPad This is a super neat online organizing notebook. You can easily add and file items like your contacts list. It’s connected to the internet so it allows quick and painless adds from search results.
Comments
This article was more helpful than you'll ever know. My sons have always been homeschooled, but firstborn (13) is going to public highschool this month and I'm holding on to the tips you gave in the article. The 'school only' savings jar jumped off the page! Thanks!
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