Everyone knows that kids need pencils, paper and binders for
going back to school, but when you buy these items at the beginning of the
year, also think about stocking up at home as well. How many times have you had
to run to the store after dinner to get construction paper and glue sticks for
your daughter to finish her project? When everything is on sale before school
starts, buy a few extra notebooks, pens, art supplies, etc. and then you will
have them when you need them.
Landing Zone
Every home should have a regular landing zone for backpacks,
lunch boxes, and school paperwork. Choose a place in the house, preferably near
the entrance, where the kids can deposit their stuff as they come home. Use
bins, cubby holes or racks for each child, so everyone has his or her own spot.
Train the kids to open their packs and remove lunch boxes, and any paperwork
from school as soon as they come in. A small desktop basket is useful for
depositing important papers for mom and dad to see. After homework is complete,
have the kids pack up their bags and return them to the landing zone, so
there’s no hunting for lost math homework in the morning.