Back to School - Get in Gear!

I know you're running around getting everything ready for the kids to get back to school. Take this time to get the whole family set up and back in the routine of the school year. Start with your time schedule. Get everybody up earlier and to bed earlier so that your inner clocks are prepared. Set up homework stations, chores lists, shower schedules and leisure time now before you have homework and carpooling and after school activities. Don't forget your desk. Is it stocked?- take advantage of the back to school sales especially for expensive items like ink and toner...And, as always, get everyone involved- maybe have a night of brainstorming ideas for each area. And don't forget to add fun stuff too!! How about a cook-off, a hidden treasure to be found while cleaning (nobody will miss a spot!), or a contest for donations (c'mon, you knew I'd say to declutter ; )  The closer you are to getting back to routine when the times comes, the easier it will be to be to handle the new challenges and changes that every new school year brings!