As a personal injury attorney who represents injured victims, I always have a story to tell and case to build on behalf of my client. The key ingredients to success in the courtroom are preparation, organization, and attention to detail. As summer comes to an end, and the “back to school” season begins, a parental focus on those same ingredients in the family home can make the transition more manageable. The following are some tips to prepare for the new school year.
- ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS: Create a Household Notebook in a 3-ring binder for quick reference to important family and household information. Maintain phone lists, calendars, sport schedules, school assignments, vendors, and menu plans in this binder. Hang a whiteboard in the kitchen and bedrooms to post daily communications and to-do lists.
- FOOD: Clean out and organize the pantry and refrigerator. Prepare and stockpile meals in the freezer. Plan menus and buy items in bulk. Maintain an adequate snack supply.
- CLOTHES: Empty drawers and closets. Assess a child’s current wardrobe and clothing needs. Discard outgrown or worn out clothes. Plan a shopping trip with a list as August is a big sales month for retailers. Organize clothing by season and style for easy access.
- MEDICAL: Make appointments for annual medical exams, including dental and eye. Ease your child into the learning process by minimizing TV and video time. Re-establish daily routines and sleep schedules. Start reading.
- HOUSE: Clean, de-clutter and organize the entire house, including garage and basement. Pack and label stored items neatly in containers. Purchase and stock up on supplies to avoid unnecessary trips to the store. Throw out junk, have a yard sale, and make donations. Set up homework stations in designated areas.
Draft a TO-DO list of these back-to-school items, and get started. “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
Miriam Newman, Esquire
Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith, P.C.
