What a notable day, the first day of each new school year.  Everything is so new, unprecedented & exciting.  The energy from anticipation tingles across your arms & the back of your neck.  Even if you don’t have children going to school you can still sense the power of this special day.

But there’s something else you can feel…..fear.  Fear of wearing the wrong thing, being late, getting lost on the way to class, not having anyone to sit with during lunch, gym class, having a mean teacher & just plain keeping up with it all.  Let’s face it, there’s a whole lot more going on today than when we were in school!  Saturdays & Sundays were my own to get errands done, shop, finish school projects or just go to the pool.  Now, even kids in elementary school have schedules that rival professional athletes with practice several nights a week and tournaments that last all weekend long.  And that’s just for one sport!

What happened to time in the evenings to hear how their day was, check on their homework & sign the million permission slips?  Instead, you’re picking up fast food on the way to “practice” probably for multiple children in multiple locations.  I certainly didn’t mean to burst your blissful “Back to School” bubble so early, but when the kids arrive home today, how will you make sure you & your family don’t fall behind?

My suggestion is to already have a plan of attack for the really important things like homework, teacher notes, food, daily chores & time to listen.  They need to talk.  Extracurricular activities so to speak will take care of themselves.  They are always crowding out the others.  So, you ask, “How does this happen?”  I’m glad you asked.

1. Establish a Routine  We all resist what we tell ourselves is mundane, but when you really think about your life, the parts that have a routine feel less stressed.  Everyone knows what to do & when. There’s really nothing to think about.  It becomes like brushing your teeth – something you don’t even consider you just do it.

2.Find a Home  You need a place for your routine to happen.  Where will the kids leave teacher/school notes for you?  Where will they do their homework?  Where are school supplies kept for easy access?  Where are after school snacks?  Where do they keep their backpack & books?  Where can the family spend time Together?

3.Help Your Kids  Kids naturally do not want to do homework or chores.  Did you at that age?  While teachers in school are instructing your kids on reading, writing & arithmetic, it is up to you to teach them the importance of respecting their belongings by caring for them & how to care for them.

Every family’s life & routine is different from the next, but all just the same – too busy with too much to do & not enough down time.  It’s time to take control of your schedule so you can feel less stressed & enjoy this school year. What are some of your routine secrets?  Post them on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page