The start of the year is a great time for fresh beginnings and establishing new, positive habits. Here are some back-to-school habits for you and your family to follow

The night-before habit:
Establish some routines that will get you and your children in the habit of getting as much ready the night before as possible. Laying out uniforms, polishing shoes, getting breakfast dishes out, packing lunches, freezing water bottles, packing bags, finding hats, socks and library books; there is plenty that can be taken care of in the evenings to ease the chaos of mornings.

The morning routine habit:
Make a list of everything your children need to do each morning and use incentives to have them finish their list before a certain time to avoid last-minute rushing. Make a list of everything your children need to do each morning and use incentives to have them finish their list before a certain time to avoid last-minute rushing.  

The after-school routine habit:
Write down everything that needs to be done when the kids get home from school and have them check the list every day to be sure they don't miss anything - such as unpacking lunchboxes and putting forms in the "to be signed" spot for parents to sign.   

The homework routine:
Create a time that they do their homework every night. Even if your kids don't have homework, you can create some with reading or research for an upcoming project.  If they do it at the same time every night, it will become a habit quickly and they won't forget when they have a lot to do.  


Article courtesy of Coles Summer Magazine, Rebecca Mezzino is an Accredited Professional Organiser who specialises in making lives simpler and more enjoyable.