So how do we keep our sanity, when the rest of the school age families are going insane? There are several different methods. Each family has to find their own route to the path of sanity, but there is one. Don't give up hope.



Organization is a big factor in keeping your sanity during the school year. There is nothing like the search for the homework paper ten minutes before the bus is due on the doorstep. Looking for your sons basketball shoes before practice is starting can be another sanity buster.

Learning to organize your home, and get your kids to stick to that organization may be two different tasks. Most parents have the best of intention when it comes to organizing. They set up area for their kids to put their "stuff", but it inevitably ends up all over the house. Shoes are scatted from the front door, up the steps and down the hall. Schoolwork spills out of backpacks, over the table to the kitchen counter. How do we get the kids to use the organization that parents set up for them?

The best way to get the kids to use the organizations methods that are set up is to have them help to create them. A child is more apt to participate in keeping up with organization when they were a part of setting it up. When setting up a place for the child to do homework, ask them where they would like it to be. Maybe they prefer to do their homework in the kitchen while the parent prepares dinner. Setting up an area in the kitchen or dining room for them to do their work, may help them become more organize. Give them a space to keep their school supplies and backpacks. Have them set it up so it works for them. Give the child the responsibility to keep their area clean and tidy.

This same method can be used for anything the child or parent needs to be organized. Keep the child involved in the organization. From sports equipment, shoes, and homework, the more organized the better the sane the atmosphere.

Another sanity buster is the over committed child. How many activities your child is involved with can raise the stress and insanity levels of your child's life. Reducing the number of activities your child is involved in can help you and your child save sane. Chose activities they have a passion. Some children and parents feel they must be involved in everything. Your child will have a well-rounded education with fewer activities. Just being more particular about the activities they are involved in and the time that they spend doing them.

Remember that not every minute, of every day has to be crowded with activities. Give you and your child time to relax. This will be a sanity buster by itself. Planning an outing that the child can look forward to on the weekends or a day off may also help. Spending one on one time with your child during the busy school schedule will help you keep involved in your child's life.