But there's one mistake that parents—even those who are typically organized people—often make when getting ready for the school year: They don't set their kids up for success when it comes to staying organized.
"In general, my rule of thumb is that organizing products should support your systems and be convenient for everyone who is using them," Seltzer tells Parade. "The best thing to do is to map out your morning routine, getting ready for school, and figuring out which areas need support."
Related: These 155 Instagram Expert-Approved Organizing Tips Will Help You Tidy Your Entire Home
In fact, there are a few products and methods that professional organizers agree can help children stay organized, save time and even reduce stress.
How to Keep Kids Organized When Going Back-to School
"Before heading back to school, gather everything they need to play a game of dressrehearsal," Dooley tells Parade. "Work with your kids to map out the sequence together: backpack on the hook, shoes in their spot, lunchbox in the kitchen—then make it a game. Time them putting everything away and challenge them to beat their own record. Do the same for the morning routine: how fast can they get ready to walk out the door? The fun is in the repetition, and the repetition is what builds the habit."
2. Archive last year's school books and clothes
Similarly, Seltzer feels "summer is a great time to have a reset for the year." You can do this by going through old school papers "and only keep the ones that are special," and reviewing last year's clothing and making sure everything fits.
"Before bed, clear their desks and set out anything needed for the next morning," Dooley says. "Let them choose a song that gets their feet moving. A two-minute reset means no last-minute searching in the morning. The workspace is clear, everything is ready, and the next day starts calm instead of chaotic."
Professional Organizers Say These 7 Products Organizing Products Are Worth Buying for Back-to-School
As long as you explain how these products work to your kids, they can help keep kids organized all year long.
1. A desk or dedicated work station
Jordi Salas / Getty Images
For younger kids, having a clear area in the dining room or kitchen where they can do homework is sufficient.
Kienzle adds that having good lighting at your children's work stations is vital, as proper lighting can help improve focus and prevent eye strain.
2. Magazine holders
Noah Saob / Getty Images
To help keep kids organized, Seltzer recommends having a magazine holder (or another bin) labeled with each child's name at their work station. Try and get your children in the habit of putting all their schoolwork in their dedicated bins when they get home.
3. A shared calendar
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
"You can use an erasable calendar, paper calendars, or fancy digital calendars on the wall," she says. "Whichever works for your family, do your best to update it!"
4. A foyer drop zone
Jessica Peterson / Getty Images
For one thing, a drop zone can ensure that "items don’t migrate to other parts of home," says Kienzle. She also believes a drop zone can save "time and stress in the morning when getting ready for school."
Or, if you have a spacious entryway, Dooley recommends making things simple with a one-stop "hall tree" that features hooks, shelves, a bench and shoe storage.
5. A school supplies station
IKEA
If you don't have room for a pegboard, or if your kids do their homework at the dining table, Dooley suggests a "caddy with dividers to keep supplies handy while it can easily be moved to get ready for dinner."
6. Simple lunch boxes and water bottles
ingwervanille / Getty Images
Additionally, Seltzer encourages parents to make sure little kids can easily open lunchboxes and reusable water bottles on their own. She also recommends keeping all lunchboxes and water bottles "in one spot in your kitchen where everyone can access them and they’re easy to retrieve in the morning."
7. Closet hanging organizers or clear bins for clothes
Alex Potemkin / Getty Images
"On Sundays, let the kids pick out complete outfits down to the socks for each day ofthe week," she advises. "Kids can get dressed independently, and it’s especially helpful if they need a specific type of clothing for sports on a certain day."
Kienzle also recommends planning out school outfits a week at a time, as this "saves time and stress from scrambling around last minute," and "helps to ensure a thoughtful, polished look."
Dooley also recommends keeping a hamper in children's rooms to keep dirty clothes off the floor, as well as adding "a hook on the inside of the closet door to hang up clothes they’ll wear again."
Related: 3 Psychologists Agree This Is the Most 'Underrated' Positive Parenting Habit
Sources:
Cynthia Kienzle, professional home organizerAnn Dooley, professional home organizer and Master Level Certified KonMari ConsultantLiora Seltzer, professional home organizer and certified KonMari Method professional organizerHence then, the article about i asked 3 professional organizers about the biggest back to school mistake parents make they all said the same thing was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( I Asked 3 Professional Organizers About the Biggest Back-to-School Mistake Parents Make—They All Said the Same Thing )
Also on site :
- Monroe County committees vote to accept $160,000 Operation Stonegarden border security grant despite opposition
- ‘Jumanji: Open World’ Trailer: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black Return for Third and Final Movie
- Beloved Romance Author Wants to Turn Jen Hamilton's Divorce Into Her Nex Best Seller — Under One Condition