Set up your home for school success this fall, by adding “stations” where school related tasks are accomplished. Making these simple tweaks to your home will make younger children’s daily routines simpler, and make parents’ lives easier.
In the car
Keep a stash of after-school snacks and juice boxes in your car. Then you’re all ready to pick up your kids and offer them a snack for the ride home. Keep a bin in the trunk space for all the backpacks or sports equipment, helping keep your cart cleaner and your kids more organized.
In the kitchen
Choose a shelf in the panty and a space in the refrigerator where you will keep kid-friendly, easy-to-grab drinks and snacks. Less work for you when they can access things themselves. Set up a dedicated area for kids to make their lunches every morning (or night before) and clear out their lunchboxes when they get home.
In the dining room
If kids don’t have a dedicated desk in their rooms, the dining room table can serve as a homework station. Have pencils, calculators, paper and whatever other supplies they’ll need on hand at this station.
In the bedroom
Have kids layout their clothing for the next day every evening, so that the morning routine goes smoother. At the end of the week, have them assist in the laundry washing, drying and folding so that they’re ready for the next week.