As children return to school, chaos will again reign at home, much like when summer started.  Getting children back into the routine of waking up, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and getting dressed, all before the bus decides to show up 15 minutes early, can be hectic, and yet there is still one child that will somehow always forget to brush the bed head.

Eventually, all will settle back down within the household once the routine becomes the norm.  But, if you have children like mine, where routine doesn’t quite seem to be routine, then giving them loving hints helps out and keeps them in motion to get everything done.

A few simple loving hints would be to post checklists of what your children should stay focused on so morning and evenings can flow easily.  This will allow your children to feel independent and as a parent, you won’t have to remind them as much.

Your lists can be as simple or as detailed as you choose, including such things as brushing teeth, brushing hair, picking up dirty clothes from the day, preparing things for the next day such as laying out clothes, backpacks, and preparing lunches.

Now, your checklist or chart can be any neat idea that you and your kids come up with, but thanks to Chart Jungle here is a basic format of how your list can look.  Use this example or use it for the basis of your own neat idea.  Here is another example.

Another site that offers printable customized charts is DLTK Cards.  You can choose a theme, colors, your own columns and days.  You can even include your children in on their favorite chart.

Location, location, location!  In order for children to see and use the lists, pick central locations through out your home to place your lists.  Now, if you have one central family location that children will flock to and check, by all means that is the place.  My kiddos however must have their loving tips by them at all times.

Easy locations will be in the bathroom, a front hall, or in your kitchen or family room.  These strategic locations are sure to keep reminders on the mind of your children.  The two main locations in my home are the bathroom and front hall.

I know the first and last place my children use daily are the bathroom.  Here they are sure to remember to clean up, brush up, and prepare for the next day.  The front hall is my last chance to reach out to them to not only have a great day, but to not forget the backpack, lunch, or money for the day.

My kids thought the list idea was a pain at first, but now they have their independence from mom always reminding them.  This is their way to be in charge of themselves.