If you walk by a typical teenager’s room, you’re lucky if you can see the floor.  It may be covered with clothes, books, backpacks and electronics.  The goal of organizing your teen’s room is having a “home” for all of their belongings.  It’s very important to involve your teen in this process.  LIsten to them and get their input.  Ask them how they best study.  If space allows, create different areas for the various functions such as studying, reading, sleeping.  Consider the 5 tips below to help in the process of organizing your teen’s room.


1)  Designate a charging station for cell phones, Ipods, etc. 


2)  Set up a desk top file for school papers that need to be kept for year-end exams and paperwork for extra-curricular activities they’re involved in. 


3)  Designate a study area with a clear work space and school supplies. 


4)  Sort clothing by like items, teach kids how to hang properly.  Use baskets and organizing containers for flip flops, hats/caps. 


5)  Encourage teens to keep a calendar/planner whether on paper or on their phone.  


Getting your teen’s room organized may be relatively easy.  Keeping it organized is the tricky part.  Make a checklist of tasks your child needs to complete daily and weekly to maintain their organizing systems.   Most importantly, articulate the advantages of being organized and be a role model for them by respecting your space and belongings.

My kids will be out of school soon and it almost sends me into a panic.  The trick to a great summer is finding a balance between structured activities and downtime.  If we schedule every moment with camps and play dates, then summer becomes just as hectic as the school year.  On the other hand, if we don’t have anything planned, the kids become bored and that can make for a miserable summer.  Follow these tips to ensure that you and your family have a summer of fun-filled and relaxing activities.

1) If you do not use a paper calendar or if you use an online calendar, print out the summer months and place in an obvious place in your home for all family members to see.  Be sure to include the pre-planned activities such as sports camps, swim lessons, etc.  Then you can write in new events as they come up.   


2)  Make a “wish list” of things to do over the summer.  Get the whole family involved and let each child choose at least one activity.  Maybe the roller skating rink or a visit with friends that you don’t have time to see during the school year.  


3)  Research free things to do in your community.  Check out the public library, recreation centers, free concerts in the park.  When you find activities that would be fun and of interest to your family, add them to the calendar.  


4)  Just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean that any routines should go away.  Routines are still important but maybe they can be loosened up a bit.  Beds still need to be made, belongings put away, chores still need to be done!   Be sure to build in reading time each day.


5)  Remember to relax.  Schedule “downtime”.  It’s good for kids to be a little bored.  It encourages some creativity within them.