Tip of the Month :: Organizing
your Kids’ Paperwork
Why is it so hard to manage our children’s paperwork?
One reason is that there seems to be a constant stream of it coming into
our homes every day! School calendars, lunch menus homework assignments
and odd sized art projects create a mountain of paper to deal with. Then
there’s that extra dose of parental guilt over which of our children’s
artistic creations to keep.
Here are some tips to help you gain control over the influx of
children’s papers.
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Do your best to keep school papers that are
referenced daily off flat surfaces like the kitchen counter or
dining room table. Attach those papers to the fridge or buy a
bulletin board for the kitchen. Make sure the items that change
frequently such as schedules are switched out as soon as a new one
becomes available.
-
Start an “Art Box” for each child. Make sure the
container you use is moisture proof clear plastic and large enough
to hold the various sizes of art papers your children bring home.
Assign one to each child. Label the box with the child’s name and
what grade they are in. If you can, store the box under your child’s
bed during the school year and then move it to the basement or
garage for permanent storage.
-
Set up your paper flow system like an office.
Everyone should have an inbox with their name on it. Keep the in
boxes in an area everyone passes on their way in and out of the
house. Check the in boxes every day. Papers to be reviewed or signed
can be put into Mom’s inbox as soon as the children come home from
school. Once the paper is reviewed and signed, it goes into
“Bobby’s” inbox to be retrieved as he goes out the door in the
morning. Once this process is practiced and adopted, you’ll have
much less stress during the morning dash!
-
Set up an area that is comfortable and promotes
getting schoolwork done easily. Make sure whatever space is
designated for homework stays clear of clutter. Keep supplies
readily available and in containers. Ask the children to get those
supplies when they need them and put them away when they have
finished.
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It’s never too soon to start training children to
be organized. These skills will serve them well as they grow older
and leave for college and life beyond. The ability to make decisions
is an extremely important skill to have. Ask your children to make
their own decisions about papers and art projects they want to keep.
Not only is it good for them, but it will definitely cut down on
parental guilt about throwing away papers your child brings home.
Past Tips:
Fall/Winter 2011 -
Could You Become A Minimalist?
Summer 2011 - What Can
You Get Rid of Today?
Winter 2010/2011 - Organizing your Kids’ Paperwork
Sumer 2010 - Organize Your
Photos
Spring 2010
- A Step by Step Guide to Paper Management
Fall 2009 - Clearing Clutter
Summer
2009 - Enjoy the Warm Weather & Get Organized Too!
February 2009 - Get Organized in a Bad Economy
January 2009 - January is Get Organized Month
December 2008
- Organize Your Closet
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