Back to school this week – and back to routine meant for this mama, time to get the kids a bit more organized for the morning rush! Our school starts early and there’s no time for dawdling – and my older son is sometimes up and downstairs before I am. Which is great, except when the TV goes on and the list isn’t yet done… can lead to major morning drama.
SO – enter a homemade DIY version of the Ready, Set, Go! boards I had coveted (full disclosure, this was my inspiration but I was too impatient to order one, and needed a cheaper solution!)
First of all what I love about this system is that it takes the mom 'nag' out of the equation. Refer to the board, check the board, be angry with the board, whatever! But it gets everyone on the same 'page' and reduces the constant repetition of reminders!
What you need:
1. Metal board (I used one we had already from Ikea, but a chalkboard would work well too)
2. Magnets (got some super coloured button ones cheap from Staples)
3. Printable Magnet sheets (Staples once again!)
First, decide on what tasks you want your kids to get done independently, before you leave for school. Our list is brush teeth, use washroom, get dressed, comb hair, eat breakfast, pack backpack).
Using printable magnet sheets was super easy – slide 'em in an inkjet printer and print whatever you need. I cut them out and stuck them on the board.
Then, use button magnets to indicate 'done' for each task. So both kids have a side (you could divide the board into as many as you need) and then place a magnet beside the task once they have completed it.
That's it! Super easy, 3 ingredients, 3 steps and done!
You could alternatively use a dry-erase marker to write the tasks on the same type of board, or use chalk on a chalkboard. Whichever you chose, you've got flexibility to add new tasks or take some away – or have different tasks for different kids.
If your kids are younger, use pictures instead of words to make it simple.
So far, 3 days in, we've been more organized, and no nagging from mom. We'll see how long it lasts!
