September schedules: Time-saving tips

Ease into busy September schedules with these timely tips.

September is a very busy time for a parent with schoolage children; dealing with teachers and signing up for extracurricular activites can drain the time from any good parent. In order to help smooth over the transition into this hectic month, here are some strategies to get you organized and ready for what's in store.

• Get a whiteboard for all the household "news" -- from messages to reminders.

• Stick to-do lists on the fridge: one with a shopping list for groceries and school supplies, another with weekly chores.

• Give every child a "mailbox" (a small basket or big envelope will do) for items such as library books and permission slips. Get kids in the habit of dropping off things you need to see at the end of the day and picking up school-bound stuff in the morning.

• If you have room, assign every kid his own spot with hooks for coats and knapsacks and tubs for hats and mitts.

• Get together once a week for a family meeting to hash out the issues of the week and work out schedules, appointments, playdates and assignments. Record the results on the kitchen whiteboard.