{"id":275,"date":"2011-10-04T15:39:49","date_gmt":"2011-10-04T15:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lexingtonhomeschicago.wordpress.com\/?p=275"},"modified":"2011-10-04T15:39:49","modified_gmt":"2011-10-04T15:39:49","slug":"8-tips-for-a-stress-free-school-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonchicago.com\/about\/blog\/8-tips-for-a-stress-free-school-year\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Tips For A Stress-Free School Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Field trips, packed lunches and permission slips \u2014 school means much more than just homework. With these extra activities come all sorts of organizational challenges. Follow these eight tips to keep the school year running without a hitch.<\/p>\n

1. Stock up on Supplies<\/strong>. Anticipate last-minute school project needs by stockpiling supplies. Buy in bulk or wait for back-to-school sales. Get markers, index cards, poster board and other items that will come in handy throughout the school year.<\/p>\n

2. Simplify Lunch Packing<\/strong>. Use clear containers in the fridge and pantry for lunchbox supplies. When it\u2019s time to pack lunches (see below), you won\u2019t have to search for them.<\/p>\n

3. Choose Outfits Ahead of Time<\/strong>. Deciding what the kids will wear shouldn\u2019t be left to the morning rush. On Sunday night, pick out clothes for each day of the week and set them aside.<\/p>\n

4. Touch papers once<\/strong>.\u00a0 Take a time management tip from the business world \u2014 if a task will take you a few minutes or less, tackle it immediately. So when your child brings home a permission slip, read it, sign it, add the event to your calendar (see below) and put it in his or her backpack.<\/p>\n

5. Use a whiteboard.<\/strong> A functional calendar that everyone can update is essential to manage multiple schedules. Buy a large whiteboard calendar, hang it in a conspicuous spot (e.g., the kitchen) and use it to track practices, games, recitals and appointments.<\/p>\n

6. File school papers<\/strong>. Use a cabinet drawer or file box to store and organize your children\u2019s school materials. Each subject should have its own tab and folder; kids can unload weekly papers to save for later.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 <\/strong>Color-code your bags<\/strong>. Use colored tote bags, one for each activity, to store equipment and supplies. Stow them in the same place every day, ideally near the door. That way, you can easily grab the right bag on your way out without having to empty and refill a single bag.<\/p>\n

8. <\/strong>Consolidate meal making<\/strong>. \u00a0 Prepare lunches for the following day while you\u2019re making dinner. You\u2019ll be able to cross off one more item from the morning checklist and have one cleanup instead of two.<\/p>\n

Schools Near<\/strong> Lexington Square<\/strong><\/p>\n