It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.......

Peter Walsh's desk items are sleek- keeping all supplies organized!

I know most of us are ready- school has begun!! Another year and a fresh start! Once I get over the fact that summer is winding down and the beaches are looking a little empty, I do get excited thinking about new fall clothes, bright, blue crisp days and homework- what? After enduring many years of torture, now we get to relive the experience with our kids! It is a dirty job, but let these ideas help your family get off on the right foot and maybe make the idea of homework a bit less painful, I hope!
1. Set the scene- Pick the right place for your child- some need a family space so a parent can oversee, others need the quiet of their room or den, but remain close by to consult not provide answers.
2. Set the time- Try to create a family "learning time" in your house- do some quiet activities while the kids work. As best you can, make it around the same time every night- use a timer if you need to keep little ones motivated and focused.
3. Set up the supplies-  a great, organized space will always help them be successful- get the right bins to hold supplies: pens, pencils, paper, folders etc.
Keep items off the work space so they have more room for books and projects. A clock nearby as well may help older students pace themselves. Last but not least pack up- get all homework in the backpack that night and set by the door so it is easy to grab and go in the morning.
So of course, some nights will be a dream while others will be endless episodes of misplaced books, broken pencils and forgotten assignments- but don't worry at least your children will have to go thru it all over again when they have kids!