Keep Kids Organized with a Responsibilities Chart

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Staples, but all my opinions are my own. #StaplesBTS #pmedia  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

The summer is more than half over and I’m already stressed over the madness that will ensue once September is here. There simply isn’t enough room to fit all of our important dates and reminders, so I decided to put together a responsibilities chart for my daughter Emma. She’s starting kindergarten in just a few weeks and we could both benefit from some good old back-to-school organization.

I’ve been obsessed with Sharpies ever since I used my first one. Now they have so many different colors and types, and I was in heaven when I saw them all in their own special section at Staples.  Starting on August 10th all Sharpie fine and Ultra Fine markers and highlighters will be on sale while supplies last.

I’ll break down my thought process in these 5 easy steps just in case you’d think you might want to do the same.

Step 1: Obtain your supplies
You could certainly use a purchased calendar or a larger desk calendar, or you can create your own schedule using a large sheet of poster paper and Sharpie markers. You’ll need a large ruler or T-square to get straight lines if you decide to go in that direction.

Step 2: Add dates
Once you have a numbered calendar, add important dates, holidays and reminders.

Step 3: Decide on color coding
Alternate sharpie colors to differentiate between types of reminders. For example, use green for special days, blue for chores, purple for extracurricular activities. different reminders types- school, chores, extracurricular activities, homework etc. I even included one for play dates and Emma really liked that idea.

Step 4: Reward system
Use stickers or stars for things like keeping their room clean or other chores. You might want to offer a reward to keep your child invested in the process. After 10 stars we’ll go out for ice cream or have a special play day at the park.

Step 5: Involve your child
Let your child help out by adding their own artwork or making other decisions about how the calendar should work.

Other than the foam stickers that Emma decorated her schedule with, everything was purchased at Staples. The store literally is a one-stop-shop not only for office supplies but also for organization and DIY and art projects. I use Sharpie markers on everything from writing out cards to checking off my to-do list.

The finished project. I’m hoping that involving Emma in the process will excite her enough to actively use her schedule.