SCHEDULE

Simply having a time-stamped checklist will make it easier to tick off all the boxes. Sticking to it is also key to keeping a busy household running smoothly.

DAILY

□In the morning, have old-enough kids make their own beds.

□Check backpack and sort papers; do homework.

□Check off chore list.

□Each night, set out next day’s clothes; put supplies in backpack.

□Clean lunch containers; pack lunch.

□Before bedtime, kids should clean up, putting away their things.

WEEKLY

□Review planner, binders, and online school tracker to make sure classwork is kept up.

□Have a family check-in to sync calendars.

□Create menu for school lunches; do prep-ahead tasks.

MONTHLY

□Rotate artwork on display.

TWICE A YEAR

□Purge binders at end of each semester; only keep papers deemed worthy (per each kid).

ONCE A YEAR

□At the end of the school year, file schoolwork you (and kids) decide to save, and recycle the rest.

□Sort through memory box; give away or toss any unwanted items.

□Go through artwork together; decide what to keep (page 168), what to scan (and discard original), and what to give away.

If you have
5 minutes . . .

• Update contact list (teachers, coaches, sitters, carpoolers).
• Help kids straighten up their spaces.

If you have
10 minutes . . .

• Check craft and school supplies; make a shopping list for any replenishments.

If you have
15 minutes . . .

• Together, purge and sort binders and artwork throughout the year.

Traveling with Kids

With some versatile supplies at the ready, your kids can keep themselves busy (no screens required!) for hours on end.

Create a craft kit:

• Choose items that are safe (no scissors) and tidy (no drippy glue): origami and scrapbook papers, washi tape, washable markers, self-adhesive gems, and stickers.
• With the above, kids can make pictures and collages—or re-create something they’ve seen out the window along the way.
• A container with compartments, such as a tackle box, keeps things neat and accessible.

Prepare a vacation scrapbook:

• Give each child a binder with plastic sleeves and clear zippered pencil cases.
• Kids can chronicle their trip in the car, drawing animals they see or listing the states on license plates.
• You could also give them a map of your driving (or flying) route to embellish.
• Let them take pictures on your phone of favorite spots and of the family.

Make an activity pack:

• Playing cards and travel-edition board games make the minutes fly by.
• Books with crossword puzzles and other word games sneak in teaching moments.
• Coloring books plus crayons or colored pencils keep kids (and adults!) calm and focused, even in the face of flight delays.