Start Your School Year Off Right
by Tricia Goyer

Ever since my kids have been in school, I've thought of the beginning of the school year as the “New Year’s of family organization.” It's a time to consider what's working and to make resolutions about what I can do better.

 “Our intention creates our reality,” says Wayne Dyer. That's why it's important to become intentional about starting out right. Here are some ideas to get you started … with a little fun on the side.

• Create a family calendar. Buy a large, whiteboard calendar for your kitchen or create a print-out version from your computer and post it on your fridge. List special events, extracurricular activities and chores. Use a different color pen for each child's activities so they can see their schedule at a glance.

  Fun: Create special events like “Have a friend for a sleepover” or “ice cream sundae night” and write them on your calendar. This will not only add fun into your routine, it'll make your kids eager to check the schedule!

• Organize your space. Set designated spots for shoes, sports equipment, school books and backpacks. If kids know where to drop their stuff, then they'll also know where to find it.

  Fun: Create a points system and prize box for the kids when they pick up someone else's items. This will encourage them to not only put away their things, but also to help others keep the house in great shape.

• Stock up on school supplies. When shopping for your child's school supply list, also stock up on things you'll need throughout the year at home. Buy a plastic bin or decorate a cardboard box and keep your supplies there. It'll save many trips to the store throughout the year!

  Fun: Buy fun supplies like play dough, scratch art and paint supplies — great fun when the homework is done.

• Set a schedule. Set a bedtime and as it nears, give your kids 30-minute, 15-minute and 5-minute warnings.

  Fun: Make bedtime something your kids look forward to with family prayer or a special story time.

• Food fix. Create a snack space inside your refrigerator for your kids' after-school snack. Fill it with boiled eggs, cheese sticks, fruit and other healthy, yummy snacks.

  Fun: Next time you go grocery shopping have the kids pick out fun and interesting snacks like kiwi, new yogurt flavors or hummus and crackers.

With habits like these your school year is sure to be a breeze … or at least off to a great start!

Tricia Goyer is a wife, mom and author, who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. Follow her at triciagoyer.com.