Pre-fall rev up

Hello to all Swarmers!!!

Single moms need help.  We need the sort of help that empowers us and propels us to live a better life.  We want that for our children, as well.  SWARM believes that education will get us there, so will learning how to save and spend money wisely.  The best way to get there, however, is by being organized.  Being organized will allow us to schedule our lives so we can use our time efficiently.

Did you see the words: organized and schedule?   These are the keys to improving our lives.  Why? Because when we are organized we can achieve daily goals that are inline with our needs and wants.  Organization is the key to improving our lives.  When you are organized, you are informed. You know where you stand, what you need to do and perhaps, just as important you know what you have accomplished so far.  Take the time now, (before the fall season begins) to create the plan you need to get and stay organized.

Remember, it is always better to get organized before the storm of new activities. Now is a great time to organize and plan because information is beginning to trickle in.  If you children are involved in school related activities they may already be attending those activities at the school.  There will be paperwork involved and there will be dates for you to know. But it is coming in slowly, unlike the first week of school when you will have teachers, administrators, activity coordinators, etc all vying for your time with paperwork that needs to be filled out and sent back within a specific time frame.

Get started now while you can plan with less stress...

In my home I have created a spot on the wall, in the kitchen, with chalk board paint that myself or my children can write quick reminders of information that I need to know.  It may be as simple as, 'we need toilet paper soon' to 'sport physical tomorrow, need $15.00'. Using this chalk board to send a heads up about these sorts of events that need to be in the fore front of my thoughts.

I also have a wall space dedicated to paperwork schedules of school activities that are coming up.  This space remains throughout the year and as one schedule is completed (volleyball) it will be replaced with the next schedule (i.e. robotics). At a glance I am able to know before I leave the house what is coming up for that day, week, etc.

If you happen to have a child who neglects to hand over important paperwork, have them get into the habit of 'dumping' paperwork at a designated spot near the space they empty their backpack.  For some kids it is easier to have this space in the kitchen where they may also be emptying their lunch box, near the front door as they enter the home or perhaps in their bedroom or space where they do their studying.  Find a shoebox, basket or name a shelf that you want them to place these papers and this MAY help you get the necessary paperwork in a timely manner. Try it!

Lastly, remember that in order to become organized and remain organized you must be consistent in your good habits. You must follow these steps if you expect your children to  follow these steps.  Gently guide this new behavior and encourage your kids to think of areas that they can find ways to become more organized.

From Sarah Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance

Four old-fashioned rules that can change the quality of your daily life beginning today

1) If you take it out, put it back

2) If you open it, close it

3) If you throw it down, pick it up

4) If you take it off, hang it up