Back to School Shopping

Yes, it’s that time again. Today I took my three boys shopping for school supplies. Here’s our routine. At the end of last school year, we received a list of required school supplies. I filed these in our “School” file.

This morning, I took out the lists along with all our school supplies left over from last year. Each of my children took his list and marked off items we already had. Of course, for younger children, parents will need to help.

Then we went to the store. Each of the boys picked out his supplies and checked them off the list as the items were put in the shopping cart. (One of my boys even took a clipboard so checking off each item was easier!)

I always buy extra of items that need to be replenished - paper, glue, folders, and pencils. Prices are great during back to school sales and having the supplies at home is so convenient during the school year.

When we got home, we spread everything out on the floor. The boys picked out their items, labeled everything, and put their supplies in their backpacks and a storage bin. I made a list of a few additional items the boys wanted. Then, we stored the bins.

We’re ready for school to start! What routines have you found that are helpful as you get ready for school days?

Making Space in My Closet

This morning I spent ten minutes making my closet a more pleasant place to be! I’ve had three pair of pants and two blouses in there that I haven’t been able to wear in over a year, since I've gained a few pounds. I’ve been thinking that I’ll lose that weight and be able to wear those clothes again. Quite some time ago, I moved those clothes to the back of my closet.

I’m still not ready to give up on losing the 10 pounds. Today, I stored the clothes in a basket, labeled it, and put it on the top shelf of my closet. If, in 6 months I still don’t fit into the clothes, I’ll move them to my “donation” basket and get rid of them for good.

(While I was going through my clothes, I also pulled out some that I haven’t been wearing and put them in my “donation” basket, leaving more room in my closet for the clothes I love.)

This is a great way to deal with those items that you’re having difficulty letting go of. Box the item and label the box with the contents and the date you’ll get it out of your house if you haven’t used it.

School Memorabilia

Throughout the school year, when my kids bring home a particularly special work of art or written work, I put their creation in a tote to save for them. Everything else goes in their drawer. Today I made a deal with my kids, ages, 12, 12, and 10. I’d do their chores, if they’d go through their drawer of school papers from the past year and pick out which they’d like to keep.

First, let me explain our tote concept. Each child has a tote labeled “Name’s Memorabilia”. This is for all their memorabilia for all of their school years. Their only guideline is they can’t keep more than can fit in the tote. We have gone through the totes once removing some items to make more room. Now they have gotten the idea of saving a few memorable pieces and tossing the rest.

We had a fun morning remembering events from the past year as they sorted through their drawer of papers. They each picked some items to keep and recycled the rest. The keepers then are moved to their totes and stored in the basement (humidity controlled) and their drawers are empty, ready for next school year’s work.

This is a routine we enjoy each year. It’s not only fun, it’s educational. My children are practicing decision making and learning to sort, prioritize, and set limits for themselves.

What are some ways you handle memorabilia?