1. List responsibilities for school-age children and teens. You might include: place clothes in hamper, brush teeth, do homework, and take out trash. POST the list. We all take written cues more seriously than verbal ones. Make it clear that all items must be completed before privileges are allowed such as T.V. viewing and talking with friends.

2. Help your older children and teens schedule their week days. For exmple, if they are home at 3:00 p.m. and go to bed at 9:00 p.m., they have six hours to accomplish x, y and z.

3. Be sure to make time in your schedule to spend with your kids every day. What could be more important?

4. Prepare five outifts for each child on the weekend. Make sure clothes are clean, mended and presses, and shoes are clean. Do this for yourself, too!

5. Designate a file folder or box for each child and each adult in your household. Mail, school papers, and notes to one another can easily be passed along this way. Instruct kids to empty backpacks upon arrival and place all paperwork into parent's folders.

6. Place shoes, coats, keys, backpacks, etc., by the exit door or in car every evening to avoid last minute searching for misplaced items.

7. Have everyone make a list of fun things to do. Keep it handy and choose one or two fun family activities each weekend.

Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and author. Free tips booklet and e-zine to help you take control of your time by organizing your life. Visit http://www.ineedmoretime.com

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com