We’re coming into a new year and a new school term, and getting organized is key to keeping your family on track and setting your student up for success. Without taking intentional steps to ensure you’re organized coming into the new year, you may come off the hustle and bustle of the holidays without giving yourself an opportunity to reset. Here are a few tips for getting your family organized for a smooth new year:
Get the Kids Organized
Starting fresh in the mind is often easier when you give your space a refresh, as well. As you take down holiday decorations and put them away, take some time with your child to get their space organized. Help them go through their bedroom, donating clothes, toys and other items they no longer need. Not only does this make room for the new items they received during the holidays, but it also gets their hearts set on generosity from the very beginning of the year.
This is also the time to make sure their school items are organized. Start by going through their backpack with them, getting rid of old material they no longer need and reorganizing their current work into their folders and binders. If they have a dedicated study space at home, give it a reset. Organize books, worksheets and supplies, and make sure everything is set up for them to comfortably do their homework and study this upcoming term.
Plan Meals Ahead
Meal times can be some of the most chaotic moments for families during the week. From figuring out what everybody wants to eat to actually preparing it, the process can be quite time-consuming. In the new year, try planning meals for the week ahead of time, prepping ingredients on the weekends so weekday meal times can be smoother.
Involve your family in creating a weekly menu and writing a grocery list. You can also invite your child to help you prepare meals. Involving your child in meal planning and preparation helps them learn responsibility and the importance of their nutrition. Making meal times a family effort can also take some of the pressure off parents, as tasks can be delegated to other family members.
Re-establish a Routine
The most important thing you’ll need to do in the new year to get your family organized is to re-establish a routine. Take everybody’s responsibilities and after-school activities into account when creating a family schedule. Carve out time in between for homework and study time, meal times, and family quality time. Make sure the schedule works for everyone. Getting everybody on the same page at the start of the year can help you set your family up for success. It’s also worth creating a visual on a calendar or whiteboard so everyone can stay on track.
Why Organization Matters
Keeping an organized home and routine is about more than making it smoother for your family as a whole; it also directly impacts your child’s education. The mental health benefits of an organized space and a consistent schedule help children stay focused and motivated in their academics. It improves mood, reduces stress and boosts confidence, all while fostering independence and a sense of responsibility. When a child’s space is disorganized and their routine is irregular, their mental health suffers—and so do their academics. With these few tips, you can set your family up for a smoother new year and your child up for success in their academics!
St. Charles Borromeo, located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is committed to proclaiming the gospel Message of Jesus Christ. Our Orlando private school believes in teaching the whole child and wants students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.