Hasta La Ideas

Rachel Ray’s website has nine great back-to-school organizing tips to help get your little ones ready for the new year in the article “Back To School Planning” by Katie Hetter. My favorite is the fourth tip:

Organize your routine with fun daily checklists. Amanda Wiss uses checklists to teach her 3-year-old how to get ready for pre-school. For the morning, she includes: brush teeth, take vitamin, eat breakfast, get dressed, put on shoes. “Charlotte is exceedingly proud of herself for doing all the things on ‘her list,’” she says. Older kids can have more advanced checklists that include completing homework, practicing a musical instrument, setting the table, putting out an outfit for the next day–anything you’d like your child to consistently complete. Update lists to incorporate new activities and goals.

Check out the other eight great tips for even more ideas.