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Your child’s backpack is an important link between home and school. But if your child has trouble with organization – and many do, especially younger ones—keeping it neat can be a challenge. Over time, a backpack can become little more than a mess of junk and crumpled papers. If kids can’t find what they need in there, the link breaks down. Here, to help you get your child—and their backpack—off to an organized start this back-to-school season, are some of my top tips.
Choose the Right Backpack
Finding the right backpack for your kid is more than just picking out something cute; it’s about setting them up for success. The backpack will be their daily companion, so you want to make sure it’s just right. Here’s how to do it:
Size Matters: Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to little ones. A backpack that’s too big can be a real hassle for a young child to carry around. So go ahead, take them to the store, and try a few on. Watch how they handle it, and you’ll quickly see if it’s too much for them to manage.
Look for Quality: Kids aren’t always gentle with their things, and backpacks are no exception. You’ll want something that can take a beating. Look for sturdy materials and pay attention to the little things like zippers and seams. The last thing you need is a backpack falling apart in the middle of the school year.
Think About Organization: Lots of pockets and compartments can help keep things neat and tidy. It’s not just about stuffing everything in; it’s about teaching them to keep track of their stuff. But don’t go overboard! Too many pockets can be confusing.
Easy Does It: If zippers are a struggle or too many pockets get frustrating, look for backpacks with Velcro and fewer compartments. Your child should be able to get what they need without fuss.
Comfort is Key: This backpack will be on your child’s back almost every day, so make sure it feels good. Padded straps and ergonomic designs can make all the difference. And don’t forget to adjust those straps so they fit just right.
Let Them Have a Say: Finally, let your kid pick out something they love. Whether it’s a favorite color or a backpack with their favorite superhero, letting them choose will make them excited to use it.
So go ahead, take your time, and find that perfect backpack. It’s not just about carrying books and lunch; it’s about finding something that fits your child’s needs and personality. And who knows? The right backpack might just make mornings a little bit easier!
Get Started With an Empty Backpack
You’re ready to organize if your child has a brand-new backpack. If you’re starting with an existing backpack, though, empty it and start from scratch.
Sort everything in the backpack into two piles with your child’s help. One should be for school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and papers. The other is for other items that must be transported between school and home, such as gym gear or a lunchbox. Everything else should either be stowed away at home or thrown away. (Remember to shake the backpack over a garbage can to get rid of any crumbs or crumpled-up paper.)
Group Supplies in Logical Order
Help your child sort school supplies into clear categories. For example, put pens, pencils, and highlighters together. Match up notebooks with folders and textbooks.
Next, assign each category to a compartment or zipper pocket. One big compartment can be for books and another for notebooks and folders. Choose a smaller pocket for writing tools. You may also need a compartment for things that change from day to day, like gym clothes.
Make a Backpack Map
Once you have designated places for supplies to be stored in their backpack, help your kid draw a backpack and mark it with what goes where. Once schoolwork is completed or when packing up for the next day, a backpack “map” will remind your child where items go. Empty the backpack and have your child practice using the map by putting everything back in its place.
Keep a copy of the map in the backpack’s main front pocket and another at home.
Create a School-to-Home Folder.
Give your child a folder for all the papers the teacher passes out but doesn’t collect. Remind your child that this folder needs to come home at the end of the day.
Check the folder each afternoon and sign the forms that need to go back. Take out anything that doesn’t need to go back. Then have your child put the folder back in the backpack for the next day.
Consider Asking for Stay at Home Textbooks
One big cause of backpack messes is carrying textbooks. Speak to the school if your child tends to forget to bring home the right books for homework or study, or if the backpack can’t fit them all. You may be able to have an extra set to keep at home.
Do a Regular Backpack Check – Together
Getting organized is one thing. Staying organized is another. To keep your child’s backpack from getting disorganized, set aside time for backpack check-ins. This is a good time to get rid of all that crumb and tissue buildup. You can do this together every Sunday night, every two weeks, or monthly.
Keep in mind that kids may need a lot of practice before they can consistently keep their backpacks in order. Talk to your child about the different ways to stay organized. And give lots of opportunities to practice these techniques.
Need help getting your child organized for back to school? Or implementing new organizing systems at home to make getting kids back to school easier? We can help! Contact us here and let’s talk about how Just Organized By Taya can help you!
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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