Life Just Got... Stress-Free for School!

As the first day of school approaches (and as it's already underway for some), it brings excitement and some stress as you anticipate the flurry of activities awaiting your family. New classes, new routines and busy days can leave you a little breathless as you anticipate the impending life changes. Take advantage of the last days of summer with a preemptive strike of your own.

First, have a cleaning party with the kiddos. To a child, there’s nothing more fun than pulling everything out of the closets and drawers and covering the floor with the mess, right? They can do just that, except there will be a goal in mind, we promise! After all the nooks and crannies are cleared out, zero in on these items to organize by pile:

• Paperwork
• Clothing
• School Supplies

Have you kept every piece of brilliant artwork from your children that its devouring your fridge? We’ve found hanging folders are an excellent solution to store schoolwork including A+ tests, Picasso renderings and any other paper-based tidbit making life a little cluttered. Label them by child and grade for easy recovery in a storage tote! As the masterpieces keep rolling in, they can rotate on and off the refrigerator and the best ones tucked away safely in their assigned folder. Voila!

Do you have a moment of deja vous buying the same exact box of fine-tipped sharpies when you are sure you have been there before (“wait, was it last year?”) By cleaning and taking inventory, you can avoid these frustrating moments by locating that unopened box of markers before you buy another. After weeding through what you already have, it's easier to shop for new supplies without purchasing duplicates.  

You may also find yourself in possession of extra, unneeded school supplies and clothing. Why not donate them to a needy cause? Not only will it be fulfilling for you (and an incentive to pare down the excess), it's a process you and your kids will enjoy doing together. Check out these ways to donate in the D.C. Metro area:

Operation Backpack 2012

This is a very personal way your kids can connect with their child individually by stuffing a new backpack full of supplies. Operation Backpack is run by Central Union Mission which also helps clothe, house and feed the needy in the D.C. Metro area.

Neediest Kids’ Bridge to Success Program:

This program not only donates school supplies, but they also ask for clothing, groceries and school fees for families who cannot afford them.  Visit their website today to make a donation!

Community Partners for Children

This is an Alexandria-based organization that collects school supplies, toys and other items and distribute them to disadvantaged children.

Taking an afternoon organizing with your kids is sure to restore some order before the whirlwind of school arrives. Enjoy your moment of zen with a stress-free back-to-school plan!