Control the chaos

It's back-to-school time! With school back in session, the lazy, carefree mornings of summertime are gone. If schoolday mornings are a hectic whirlwind of packing lunches, finishing homework and utter chaos, get organized and make your life easier. By establishing a routine, your family's school mornings can be virtually stress free.

Be prepared

Your household may be chaotic on school mornings because of a lack of preparation the night before. Help your child pick an outfit for the next day and lay it out at the end of the bed. Don't forget the shoes, socks and underwear. If your kids bring a lunch to school, pack it the night before. Place jackets, coats, backpacks and other necessities in a specific place near the exit.
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Place bins next to the door, where your child can drop off coats, gloves, backpacks and other items as they walk in from school. Then they'll be just where you want them in the morning - right by the front door.

Check backpacks

Also the night before a school day, check your child's backpack or school bag. Make sure homework assignments are done, permission slips are signed, and supplies are in order. Now is the time to slip lunch money into his bag, if he's not bringing lunch from home. 8 More dos and don'ts to simplify your mornings >>

Use a calendar

Calendar programs on your computer and iPhone are great, but the best way to get your family in sync is with a huge wall calendar. Hang it in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen, so that everyone can see upcoming deadlines and events.
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