Homework is serious business.
I can still vividly recall the homework battles I had with my own mom—“I’ve already graduated grade five!” she would exclaim as I incessantly whined for help from the kitchen table.
Blaring televisions, exciting distractions, hard-to-locate stationery, and inadequate workspaces can quickly make the homework battles into homework wars. Kids are receiving longer homework assignments and are cultivating shorter attention-spans. It's no wonder that parents and kids alike get knots in their stomachs at the mention of the "H-word."
As adults, we are keenly aware of how our physical spaces can contribute to our own productivity. With a stack of unorganized papers on my desk, I'm rendered useless. We have all seen our dorm-mates hijack a study session, because they can't find their notebook/pen/lucky protractor. The same is even truer of our little learners, whose work habits are still solidifying.
An organized homework space should include:
An organized homework space shouldn’t:
Not everyone has the space and resources to create an exclusively child-centred homework space, so here are six helpful items for enhancing or converting your current homework spaces:
one: Seat Sack, O2 Teach, $9.95
An over-the-chair solution for stationery, books, and other homework supplies. This is like a mini office attached to the back of a chair (comes in different sizes, depending on your child's workspace of choice). No more "can't find a pencil" excuses. You can also check out this homemade, no-sew, pillowcase version.
two: File Organizer Pocket Chart, Scholar's Choice, $19.99
Great for organizing loose homework papers by subject or due-date, and easily hung inside a pantry door. There is no way the dog can eat these well-sorted homework assignments. With this many pockets, multiple kids can use the same pocket chart.
three: Crib converted to a desk, via Torispelling.com
A seriously cool DIY option for once those little people aren't sleeping in it any longer. I love that the crib rails can be used for additional hanging stationery storage.
four: Trofast storage system, Ikea, this combination $239.97
Ikea really does know small spaces and clever storage. The Trofast system is small enough that little ones can access and tidy homework supplies independently. There are also wall hanging combinations that would save on precious square-footage.
five: Urbio Magnetic Modular System, The Container Store, pieces are combined ranging from $14.99-$34.99
The Container Store (now shipping to Canada) offers this magnetic plate, wall-mounted system, which can easily organize all manners of homework supplies. This system can be used wherever the homework happens—from the dining room table, to a proper office. Keeping the clutter at bay means kids are able to focus on the task at hand.
six: Build your own Daily System, Pottery Barn, pieces are combined ranging from $9-$63
There are infinite calendar choices available to help clearly outline homework due-dates, ranging from the DIY to the uber stylish. This Pottery Barn system allows you to build the product that your family needs (you'll likely make your selections depending on the number and age of your kids).
So, now you have YOUR homework—add some of these pieces to create a space that will keep your kids on task during the challenge of homework.
If you liked getting organized with these tips, check out my post on what to do when kids outgrow their clothes OR clever ways to store their art projects!
Preparing for parenthood seemed pretty simple: I read about health, labour and delivery, and soothing techniques. I worked out, tried to eat right, and took a CPR class.
I felt over-prepared, and that was comforting.
What I hadn’t realized was that I should have been studying for a PHD in the sorting, storing, and replenishing of a mountain of children’s clothing.
It takes a while to get the hang of it. Truth be told, it’s a never-ending battle.
I am the Princess of Purge, but for some reason I still find it hard to let go of my daughter’s used clothes. Is it because we want another baby? Do these outfits have sentimental value, colostrum-stains and all?
Canadian estimates put the annual cost of raising a child between $4000 and $13,000. This demographer pegged the cost of children’s clothing at $1,300 annually. Swallow THAT number with a spoonful of sugar. It is no wonder that I’m fretting about how to manage the revolving door of children’s clothes in our house. It seems I am not alone.
So I asked, “How do you deal with the never-ending pile of stuff that’s too small?”
These five options are the way to go:
STORAGE
“Some I give away, but keep faves in one large Rubbermaid.”
– Yummy Mummy to two, Blogger Kat Armstrong
If you have the space, then storing and clearly labeling (top and side) tubs with your used kids’ clothes is a great option. Especially if you are hoping to have another!
“When I go Black Friday shopping in the U.S. I utilize 2 (sometimes 3) of those vacuum-pack bags. You over-stuff these bags, seal, and suck!”
– Margaret, Yummy Mummy to three (Grandmother to seven, and one on the way!)
CONSIGNMENT
Kids burn through clothing like tissues, so it often makes sense to buy used clothing. Why not also “sell” your used items to a consignment store?
“I "sell" them to Once Upon a Child - it's not true consignment because they give you the cash up front! They're picky about what they take, but I usually take a regular Rubbermaid container and end up with $50-$100 depending on the brands.“
– Yummy Mummy to two, Blogger Jackie Gillard
“…how do I deal with all the incoming second hand clothes as a new mom?! I am #feelingoverwhelmed and need some kind of inventory system. I recently read about an online only consignment store, which could be a cool idea for kid clothes.”
– Sarah, expectant Yummy Mummy
I’m an excited new convert to an online consignment-style store called Minitrade.
Started by a savvy mompreneur, Minitrade solves the storage problem because you just trade the used kids’ clothes in for store credit, and then shop for new stuff that fits your kids. Presto! HIGHLIGHT: They drop off the “trade-in” bag at your house, and then pick it up! Organizing and shopping in your pajamas has never been easier. Now you really can wear your yoga pants all the time…
GIFTING/SWAPPING
“I pass it off to pregnant/new mom friends with the philosophy of "if you still have some of it when we might need it, great! If not, that's ok, too."
- Abby, Yummy Mummy to two
“Some were donated and most were passed on to expecting friends.”
– Yoon, Yummy Mummy to one
“I give my sister-in-law a new shipment every time I see her. I LOVE getting rid of all the baby stuff!!”
– Laura, Yummy Mummy to two
DONATION
“I first go through which outfits I loved and would want to keep for another then label and store. The rest goes to charity”
– Keri, Yummy Mummy to three
“I decide what I want to keep for another OR use for a quilt, and then donate the rest.”
– Krystle, Yummy Mummy to two
“I donate them. I've kept a couple of super cute sleepers, and my fave shirt from when they were babies, but that's it. PURGE. I only got rid of the clothes after the youngest was out of them! But mine are super close together in age, and so it was pretty easy.”
- Yummy Mummy to two, Blogger Nicole MacPherson
Here are some great places to donate:
The Canadian Diabetes Association (They’ll even pick up!)
PRIVATE SELLING
“We are done [having kids], so it makes it easy. Swap & buy on Facebook and if it doesn't go in a month we donate it. I kept Ts, a cute rock n’ roll jacket and E's wee sundress but I sell the rest in lots.”
– Jen, Yummy Mummy to two
Many parents have taken the matter of purging their kids’ used stuff into their own capable hands. While garage sales are still a summer delight, the web has made private selling of all goods fast and easy.
To review, your options are:
Storage
Consignment
Gifting/swapping
Donation
Private selling
Got it? And sometimes after the stains, and rough-and-tumble of life on a kid, some clothes just got to go. So, chuck them if you must.
Being a new mother has taught me one VERY important thing: the wisdom acquired by experience. So, how are you dealing with the onslaught of the “too smalls?”
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