I don’t know about you but I have been struggling with keeping things organized this summer and into the start of the new school year. With the new school year for my son upon us I thought it would be wise to create some kind of system that will help us manage our school days better. In particular the mornings and afternoons.
Hayden is 7 which means if he can get away with not doing something, he will. I created these picture frames with a checklist in them in order to help remind Hayden of what he needs to do in the morning before school. Also, he gets to use the dry erase markers so he is all about checking items off!
I decided to make two lists: one for the morning and one for the afternoon. Hayden thrives on organization and I thrive on not constantly reminding him what needs to be done. It is also important that Hayden have direction since he has to learn how to adapt to two different households as well as two different sets of expectations. Having what is expected of him right in front of him diminishes the arguments and sets clear expectations.
I first started by making a list with Hayden on things he thought he could feasibly do every day. Then once we decided, I simply just created a document on the computer and printed out.
Next I grabbed an old frame my mom was going to get rid of and put it in it. Viola! List created! This for me was better then doing a dry erase board because I know how that would go in our home. He would go crazy writing on it and erasing it over and over again.
This may seem simple but it has saved many arguments in the morning and evening. If everything is checked off (with the exception of brushing his teeth) by the end of the evening, Hayden gets a treat and I get to avoid an argument about what has and has not been done!
What simple tricks have you done to keep your kiddos on task? Let me know in the comments!
Mom Life Optimized says
This is such a great idea! It gives our kids a sense of responsibility and accomplishment too!
this is a really good idea. i’ll have to do this when the toddler is a bit older
Christa says
Such a great idea! I want to start something like this with my almost 3 year old. I’ll probably use pictures, but I love the idea of using a frame.
Sam says
This is a really good idea, especially since he already thrives on organization. I like that you put it in a frame so that it’s easy to clean daily.
Emily says
I love that this can just be wiped off for the next day! So smart, and you can change the tasks if you need to!
laura says
This is so cool and so useful 🙂
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Pati Robins says
love the do to list , i think it teaches children responsibility , and that not everything gets done for them and they have to put some work into it
Woweeee! What a great idea and we really need to do this in the morning to help keep us focus in the school run!
Michelle says
What a great idea! We use reward charts but I like this idea more as it details what they have accomplished through the day! Let’s face it, we all like a routine, especially kids! Thanks for sharing x
Nati says
This is a really nice idea and I’m glad you find a way that works for you. My eldest is 6 years old and does a few tasks at home (he doesn’t read yet he just started primary school a couple of weeks ago) but I ask him every time. I haven’t given him the responsibility of remembering things by himself yet. But he is so very cooperative and is always ready to help me and his siblings when he’s asked to do something he does it right away. I have never thought of giving him a daily treat and I don’t think that would be a good idea in our family. Helping out the loved ones or taking care of ourselves shouldn’t be something done out of the expectancy of a remuneration, in my opinion. I think he is eager to help out because he sees his parents helping out others, that’s all.
Dana Brillante-Peller says
I wish I thought of this when the boys were younger. These chores would’ve come in handy.
Kara says
Mine have to make their beds and pack their washing away - I am gradually adding bits to it though
great idea! Love this!
Mary Leigh says
This is a really great idea. We do something similar with our daily routines for my preschooler!