1. List responsibilities for school-age children and teens. Post the list. It might include: place clothes in hamper, brush teeth, do homework and take out trash. Make it clear that all items must be completed before any privileges are allowed (watching TV, talking on the phone, using the computer).
2. Help your older children and teens schedule their week days. For example, if they are home at 3:00 p.m. and go to bed at 9:00 p.m., they have six hours to accomplish x, y and z.
3. Be sure to make time in your schedule (minimum 30 minutes) to spend with your kids every day.
4. Prepare five outfits for each child on the weekend. Make sure clothes are clean, mended and pressed, and shoes are clean. Do this for yourself, too!
5. Designate a file folder or box for each child and each adult in your household. Mail, school papers, and notes to one another can easily be passed along this way. Instruct kids to empty backpacks upon arrival and place all paperwork into parent's folders.
6. Place shoes, coats, keys, backpacks and anything else needed for the next day, by the exit door or in the car every evening to avoid last minute searching for misplaced items.
7. Have everyone make a list of fun things to do. Keep it handy and choose one or two fun family activities each weekend.
