Time-Saving Tips

To be organized, I set email reminders to email automatically the very next day. I also make them a Smucker's® Uncrustables® sandwich and a glass of milk right before the kids come home from school. Having their snack prepared a few minutes in advance means I have time to myself to organize.
—Linda S. from Snellville, GA

I organize my grandson after school with sticky notes on the bathroom mirror. When he washes his hands, he sees notes like "do math homework," "get grandma to wash gym clothes," and "baseball practice at 6." I make him a Smucker's Uncrustables sandwich, too, so that helps us save time, money and stress!
—Susan L. from Jacksonville, FL

I keep a color-coded board of after-school activities. It is kept in our mud room, which is where everyone will see the schedule and think "Oh, I need to get ready for piano lessons / ice skating / hockey, thanks for reminding me, Mom." Nobody forgets that way!
—L S. from Norfolk, VA

After school, I let my children play for 30 minutes or so and have a snack. Then they work on homework while I make dinner. We do it at the kitchen table that way if they have questions I can answer them right away!
—Cristina E. from Loveland, CO

I got the kids into the habit of preparing and packing their lunches at night before heading to bed. It saves us so much time in the morning and they love to choose their own food. It's a big time saver and less morning rush before school :).
—Stephanie M. from Effort, PA

Have a plastic container filled with acceptable after-school snacks waiting in the fridge when the kids get home. It keeps them from digging through the kitchen as soon as they walk in the door.
—Sandra L. from Pampa, TX