As the new academic year approaches, it’s natural to want to streamline our daily lives and set achievable goals. Fortunately, a few clever DIY projects can help us corral our thoughts and tasks in one place.
While some people may have an innate knack for organization, many of us need a little extra support – whether that comes in the form of bullet journals, planners, or binders.
If you’re looking to get your family’s affairs in order before the back-to-school rush, these creative ideas are sure to come in handy.
Prepare morning and bedtime routine
As children grow older, household responsibilities become more pronounced. A common expectation is that they maintain a tidy bedroom and bathroom in the morning prior to leaving for school. Failure to comply with this standard results in the withdrawal of technological privileges for the remainder of the day.
Meal Plan Lunches
Revamp your mornings by planning ahead. Instead of scrambling to come up with something for your kids’ lunches on a whim, take the time to create a comprehensive meal plan for the entire week. This simple strategy has a significant impact on reducing morning stress and increasing family bonding. By involving your kids in the preparation process in the evening, you’ll not only teach them valuable cooking skills but also give them a sense of ownership over their meals.
Get an Alarm Clock for Kids
Give your kids the gift of independence by gradually increasing their autonomy in daily tasks. Since they’re already old enough for elementary school, it’s a great time to introduce them to self-sufficiency. Instead of being solely responsible for waking them up each morning, helping them get dressed, and packing their lunches, allow them to take ownership of these tasks.
Set reasonable expectations so they have enough time to wake up when they’re ready, prepare for school, and get themselves dressed without feeling rushed.
Get Organized in the Evening
As the new school year approaches, consider establishing a routine of preparing everything the night before. This approach allows you to sidestep the morning chaos often caused by outfit debates, meal planning, and other logistical decisions. Instead, take some time in the evening to lay out all the necessary items, ensuring that each family member has their designated bag or backpack ready to grab-and-go when morning arrives.
Get Back Into a Routine
Make a conscious effort to ease your family back into a school-year routine well in advance of the first day of classes. If you’re accustomed to sleeping in late and staying up late during summer break, the abrupt transition to an early morning schedule can be jarring. Start by gradually adjusting everyone’s sleep patterns by a week or two before school starts. Encourage earlier bedtimes and earlier wake-up times, allowing your body to readjust to the new rhythm.
Gather Supplies
Before you embark on a back-to-school supply run, take a moment to scour your home for any leftover materials from previous years. It’s likely that some supplies are collecting dust and could be repurposed for this year’s academic endeavors. Check your cupboards, drawers, and shelves for stray pencils, rulers, calculators, or pencil sharpeners that didn’t get used up last time around.
You might be surprised at what you find hiding in plain sight, potentially saving yourself a few bucks and reducing waste in the process.
Transform a File Bin Into a School Paper Organizer
As the new school year kicks off, take a few minutes to label your file bin with your child’s name and grade. Next, divide the space into manageable sections using dividers. You can categorize the files by subject, month, or even type of paper for easy retrieval throughout the year. Simply add papers to the designated compartments as they accumulate, keeping essential documents organized and within reach.
Create a designated drop zone for backpacks and school papers
To streamline the morning routine, designate a designated entry point as a ‘launching pad’ for your children’s essentials. Strategically install hooks or a coat rack to securely hang their backpacks, and consider a nearby paper organizer to keep track of important documents like permission slips and school notices.
Create a designated library book basket
To keep your library books organized and within reach, consider designating a designated spot, such as a labeled basket or container, situated conveniently near the entryway. This strategic placement ensures that returning books become a habitual routine, making it less likely for them to get misplaced throughout the house.
Use a small drawer system for laying out clothes
As a busy parent, it can be challenging to find time to plan outfits for your little ones. However, with a clever storage solution, you can simplify the process without sacrificing style or sanity. Consider converting a small cart or drawer into a personalized fashion station. Label each day of the week and store the corresponding clothes in separate compartments. This organized approach will not only save you time but also ensure that your kids’ outfits are always fresh and on-trend.
Make a dry erase meal planner for your family
Transform your daily routine with a DIY meal planning solution that’s as easy to make as it is effective. Grab a simple Dollar Tree picture frame and some cardstock, and get creative! Write ‘Meal Planner’ and the days of the week on the paper, then slide it into the frame. This versatile tool will keep you organized all year round, making meal planning a breeze.
Create A Family Command Center
To streamline communication within their household, Jen cleverly designated a dedicated space in her home. A large wall calendar serves as the central hub, complemented by a chore chart, visual schedule for the younger children, and meal planner. This thoughtful arrangement eliminates potential distractions, such as ‘What’s for dinner?’ inquiries.
By keeping things straightforward and uncomplicated, Jen and her kids can effortlessly maintain this system, allowing them to focus on being their best selves.
Easily construct a DIY homework station
For many parents, keeping kids focused on their homework can be a daunting challenge. But one solution lies in minimizing distractions during study time. According to Amy at Mom Advice, this hurdle can be overcome with the right strategies. While figuring out which shape is a quadrilateral might require some mathematical prowess, conquering distractions requires a different kind of problem-solving altogether.
Fashion a kid’s reading nook
While formal education undoubtedly plays a significant role in shaping our minds, it’s equally important to acknowledge that learning extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom setting. In particular, mastering the fundamental concept of reading – often referred to as the first ‘R’ in the classic three Rs framework – is crucial for achieving academic success and setting students up for future prosperity.
DIY a double-sided Do Not Disturb sign
As you settle in for a productive study session, your phone rests silently on the desk, its screen facing downwards. Your curated playlist of instrumental tracks is primed to provide a distraction-free sonic backdrop, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without worrying about unwanted karaoke interludes. Meanwhile, a selection of brain-boosting snacks and a refreshing grande latte await your attention, setting the stage for a focused and rejuvenated study experience.