Back to School Organizing Tips for Parents

Back to School Organizing Tips for Parents

     It's that time again!  The new school year is upon us.  During the summer months, we tend to get slack in our organizational skills, both kids and parents.  So, it can be difficult to get back into a good routine once school begins.  Hopefully, parents were easing into their normal school schedule a week or so before school started by practicing earlier bedtimes and getting up with an alarm. Some general suggestions for helping the school year to run smoother and get parents reorganized and re-energized include:
  
Create a morning checklist on a chart or chalkboard for kid's "to-do" items.  Checklists can also be used for after school "to-do" items/activities.

• Plan menus and do prep work for meals on Sunday to free up time for after-school activities and helping with homework.
• Make lunches the night before (have the kids help out with this if possible).
• Help children choose and set out clothes for the next day.
• When supervising homework, set a timer for each subject to help with staying on task.
• Make sure homework and other needed materials are in backpacks before bedtime.
• Create a bin filled with homework tools and supplies that can be easily moved from room to room and checking/restocking the bin on a regular basis.
• Check with teachers to see what is expected for homework (time suggested for doing homework, materials needed, etc.).

LDA of America also provides examples of some more tips for organizational problems: 

• Provide structure as best as possible within your family.  Structuring the entire family along with your LD/ADHD child will provide the child with the guidance he needs. An example:  arise at 7 a.m., dress by 7:15 a.m., bed made by 7:30 a.m., teeth and hair done by 7:40 a.m., breakfast done by 8:00 a.m., and out the door by 8:05 a.m. for the bus at 8:15.  Book bags, homework from the night before should be by the front door.
• Do not allow your child to gain control of any situation.  You are to structure the tasks.  If he throws a "fit" when given responsibilities (for age), then he should be told, "When you are finished you may start with your responsibilities.
• List jobs appropriate for age.  Start with short work periods, i.e., 10-15 minutes in length. Increase the time as his/her interest grows.  Compliment on the job done.  Try very hard not to redo it. 
• Color-code drawers and hangers in his room.  For example, red hangers for shirts, drawers with the red dot for underwear.  Then make a chart so they can follow the colors and hang it on his wall.
• Put a chart with words and pictures in the bathroom for times and chores.  An example would be brushing his teeth with toothpaste (be explicit) at 7:30.
• Always be prepared to redirect the child.  Never take for granted that the child remembers, but try not to hang over him while he is doing the responsibility.  Present the task in short directions and have the child repeat them.

Try using these time-saving organizational tips to help cut back on the often chaotic times parents face, especially when school is in session.  It is important for parents of children with organizational skills challenges (including ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder and others) to stay on top of things by keeping themselves and their children well organized so everyone will have a successful school year.