This doesn’t take long, it’s just a matter of discussing, while you have your child’s attention, what you will expect during the school year. We have some solid School Year guidelines in our house. Anything that’s needed the next day is set out the night before. If it’s lesson day, the guitar is packed up and set at the door the night before; if it’s share day, the share is figured out and organized. The other extremely helpful rule is for when we return from school. All school items are put away before Caidin does his homework and homework happens before TV, DS or playing outside.  Things that get done include emptying out and putting away the lunch bag, the backpack is emptied out and hung up, and jackets are hung up.

Benefits: Peace of mind, smoother sailing and less nagging.