Back to school survival tips
So, let’s study storage comprehension, some mathematical spatial understanding, plain English to get those infant manners in play, rethinking the geography of layout, and some organisational gym to squeeze the needs of 20 term activities into 1,500 square feet of home ground. You can do it with what might seem like a few mundane domestic changes.
The facilities the children leave and arrive to inside the door are crucial — make all hanging space individual and height appropriate. Primary school children can’t swing 2m off the floor to a coat hook. If they have an arsenal of sports gear, hurleys can be poked into a deep upright bin or hung from closely spaced pegs, and helmets can also take to the wall. Post a dirty laundry basket on site and insist sports bags are gutted immediately. Argos is offering 2 for 3 deals on a range of roomy lidded baskets, including their Colour Match range at €12.99. We love the Punch Bag from the Great Gift Company. Stuffed with foul kit, it’s tough enough to take a beating after school. €21.
Create a family notice board that’s on the way between the back door and the fridge, (the migratory path for a rumpled post-school child), and include reminders of any happenings during the week, (and imminent chores), at this rally point. Code reminders either by assigning colours, or using an area of the board for each family member. A large wipe board won’t set you back more than €15. Tie a string to any pen or it will walk. A corked area to pin paperwork such as notes for teachers or other forms is useful — or secure one clear Polypocket per child to the bottom edge of the board to contain notes, etc. Clear the board weekly and have older children put calendar reminders on that omnipresent mobile.
Rather than wrestling them by the ear to do as you say, become more organic in your housekeeping. If your children accumulate hobby or homework dross near the table in the dining room no matter what you say, pick up a couple of rattan baskets at the pound shop and let them contain the chaos at least. Broke? Repurpose a couple of old drawers and slip them under the sideboard or sofa to let them pull out and return what they need.
If they never hang their clothes up, take the hanging rails out of the wardrobe and replace them with deep wide shelving for non-iron items. If they won’t clean their room or let you access to do so, remove the door. It’s amazing what a bit of prying and guffaws by their siblings will do. A box at the bottom of the stairs containing things going upstairs can be ferried up by the next passer by. Some habits can be intolerable. Refuse to wash any proffered single socks.
I have to thank MumsNet.com for this touchstone of regular list making, and we use it in our house to steady our sanity. Mark off three columns and update them over time. First include what must be done, for instance the basics like having clean clothes for the kids everyday, feeding the dog, getting them to school on time. Useful things would include weekly chores, such as cleaning the oven, and mopping the floor. It’s not gun to the head, but it will be done. If you can knock one out a day — even better. Life’s too short — concentrate on something particular to your family. Home-made jam may be vital to your sanity and cleaning the windows immaterial. Satisfy your family list, and learn to ignore the expectations of outsiders.
* A good muck loving rug will take the worst from the shoe traffic when your prodigals return. Place one inside the back door (the rain will kill it outside) and another at the base of the stairs. Try the JML Magic Carpet, from €11.99. jmldirect.com.
* Insist on hand washing as close to the back door as possible with an anti-bacterial soap to beat the merry-go-round of viral bugs from school. Touch free is the most sanitary option. We love the Simplehuman range of sensor operated soap dispensers. Models from €45. ecostore.ie
* Sandwich toasters are great for after school snacks, easy for older children to deal with, and as healthy as you choose. The new George Foreman, three portion Compact Grill will handle a cheese toastie and also offer up lean grilled meat and vegetables when cooking extra portions for picky eaters. €24.99.
* Is your computer letting you down? Second-hand reconditioned PCs are available at half the price through Oxfam’s Born Again line and student-friendly, desktops are available from €120. Buy online or from outlets nationwide including their store at French Church St, Cork. www.oxfamireland.org
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