September’s back-to-school season comes with a whole lot of expectations for students and parents. It can feel like information overload pretty quickly as we try to turn the chaos into something a little more recognizable.
There’s a LOT to keep track of. And somehow, we’re expected to remember it all! My advice? Treat your family’s back-to-school season like a project and think like a project manager. Organize it!
Too Many Websites? Bookmark Them.
If you’re constantly searching for:
“Where was that school website again?”
“Which website do I register for that?”
“Where do I find the bus information?”
…it’s time to create a School folder in your browser.
Keep your frequently used school, sports, and activity websites all in one place.
One click = less searching.
Less searching = less frustration.
Less frustration = happy parent.
Passwords, Passwords, Passwords
Because apparently, one school year requires approximately 47 different logins.
Instead of writing passwords on random pieces of paper, in your phone notes, or on the back of an envelope you swear you’ll remember where you put, use a secure password manager. Your future self will thank you.
Put EVERYTHING on the Calendar
If the school sends an email saying: “Picture Day is September 18.” Don’t think, “I’ll remember that.” You won’t. Put it on the family calendar. Many school calendars can automatically sync with your digital calendar, making it easier to keep track of PD days, field trips, sports, school events, appointments, and deadlines. If it has a date, it gets a spot on the calendar.
The Goal? Organized Chaos.
Let’s be realistic. We’re not aiming for perfectly organized. We’re aiming for organized enough that you can actually find what you need when you need it. Because life with kids is going to be a little chaotic. The trick is creating systems that can handle the chaos. This September, don’t just organize the backpacks. Organize the websites, logins, calendars, and to-do lists too.
Need help creating systems that work with your real life?
I’m here to help in two locations to serve you between Halifax and the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia with a wide variety of professional organizing services. You can learn more on my Service page or get in touch through my Contact page.