Back To School: 7 Ways to Start Off on the Right Foot

Believe it or not, it’s that time again… back to school aisles are stocked in store, schools are sending emails, parents and teachers are in states of shock (for different reasons) and kids are soaking up their last moments of summer bliss. After the lazy days of summer, it can be a shock to the system for kids – and parents too.

 But using this time to organize, clean and prepare will give you a head start for the school year ahead. There are loads of tips to be found online for getting ready for the school year. Here we have compiled a few of the mom-tested and tried-and-true with others that we think stand apart from the rest for being especially unique – and relevant in today’s homes! Give ‘em a try and let us know what you think!

• Choose a specific spot for backpacks, lunch bags and coats in your entryway. Give each child a hook and/or cubby with their name on it . As much as you want to hang that coat your son throws on the floor… don’t do it! Home Decorators has some great options.
• Keep homework in check. Want to get the homework done BEFORE they flip on the PlayStation? Try changing the WiFi password in your home every day (make them easy: “GreatJob” or “MomIsGreat” perhaps?). Kids can EARN the password when homework and/or chores are completed to your satisfaction. Works like a charm.
• source: google images
  
  Hang a wipe board or task area in a well-used room – typically the kitchen. Include a calendar for after school activities, upcoming tests and days off school. Empower your kids to add items themselves! A few good examples here.
  
• Ask your kids: “How have you taken care of yourself today?” This is a great way to remind them that they are in charge of their bodies: the food they eat, their physical health, their choices with friends, etc. When they are small, you can give them examples of how you take care of yourself (“I got eight hours of sleep, I had a banana with my cereal, I walked a mile before work…”). Reward them for a job well done!
• Designate a cabinet in the kitchen for lunch foods and after school snacks. If you’ve got small kids, make sure it’s one they can all reach. This will help them pack their own lunches and choose healthful snacks to take care of themselves. Don’t forget to include appropriately sized cups and bowls, too!
• Place a mail tray near the most used entrance to your home. Use this as an in/out spot for school papers and forms that need to be filled out/signed by parents and returned to school. It’s harder to forget these important papers when you have to pass right by them on your way out the door in the morning!
• Install an organizer in the garage to house sports equipment/gear to save time when you’re heading out the door to practices and games. *Add a laundry basket at the base of the organizer for all the dirty uniforms and practice clothes so kids can strip the top layer when they drop their equipment – that way you’ll always know where everything is. Once it’s clean, you can return the basket filled with the clean clothes/uniforms to the garage organizer where your pint-sized player(s) can grab it on their way out the door.
  
  

While you’re getting the kids ready to go back to school, and organizing your house to prepare for nights filled with homework and racing from band practice to soccer tryouts and volleyball games, start off on the right foot with a professional carpet cleaning from the pros at Spectrum Cleaning & Restoration! Once we’ve got your carpets looking like new again, we’ve got some great tips for keeping them looking fresh longer – and keeping your home – and your life – organized!

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