It’s just another fun day at Mabel’s Labels headquarters.  To get in the “spirit” of things, some of our staffers dressed up as Mabel’s Labels icons.  Can you tell which ones? Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween!

As parents we get bombarded with papers on a daily basis. Permission slips, calendars, artwork, graded papers, not to mention the regular mail! By creating a simple “command center” to process the papers, you can stay pile free and know where everything is when you need it.

For our command center, I gathered up a file box, one hanging file folder for each family member, a pencil box and three clipboards. I usually suggest setting up a command center in the kitchen, which is typically the busiest spot in the home and where these papers tend to accumulate.

File Box and File Folders: Set up a file for each family member. This is where to put all incoming papers such as your child’s artwork and graded schoolwork (everything that gets dumped out of the backpack when your kids get home!). In your folder would go incoming mail and things that need action.

Pencil Box: I keep a pencil box in the file box with just enough supplies for homework. Scissors, pencil, a set of primary colored crayons, and glue. This keeps things easy at homework time since the kids know right where to find all their supplies.

Clipboards: Here is where the system can really be customized. I hang one clipboard for each child on the wall next to the file box. This is where I put their permission slips, weekly calendars and homework assignments – all of the papers that need immediate attention. You could put these papers in their folders as well but if you are like me, out of sight might mean out of mind. I need to keep this important information in my face so I don’t forget about it.

When setting up your command center, take time to sit down and plan what you need first. Decide if you require the visual reminders like myself or if you want everything tucked away. Whether you have a large wall or a small entryway, with a little creativity you can create a command center that will work for your family.

For a little creative inspiration, here is an example of a chalkboard used as a command center.

I have people send me this link regularly:

I’m always so chuffed when people take the time to forward something that might be of interest to me. Have a look – this clip is a beauty. A lovely teenager with autism gets his chance on the basketball court and absolutely shines – elevated to hero status by his supportive peers cheering him on. It is truly moving.

It also annoys the crap out of me.

When I see this clip, it makes me want to scream “So what? You think the only thing a kid with autism can do is fetch water for the team?” Why, oh why, did it take so long to get that kid on the court? Why, oh why, is there such shock that he can actually play well?

I think a part of it is that a lot of assumptions are made about children with autism, the most popular being that children with autism have learning disabilities. Nowhere in the diagnostic criteria for autism is there mention of learning disabilities. Basically, if a child with autism appears to be LD, chances are the professional team needs to shape up and find more effective teaching strategies. So, it’s time to stop being shocked when you meet a kid with autism who is “smart” (whatever that means). There is no reason for that kid not to be.

I’d be fine if my kid had LDs, just so happens he dodged that bullet. But either way – autism or LDs, I’d expect him to have a shot at being on the basketball team. My kid is doing the regular Gr. 5 curriculum. He started French Immersion this year, is a helpful big brother, has fun with his friends, goes to Cub Scouts, loves the ‘Bone’ books, has a growing RESP for university, drives me crazy on his Nintendo and plays an awesome game of hockey. Note that water boy duties do not make the list. I do recognize that the kid in the video gained a lot from his role as team “manager” – it provided him with the opportunity to be involved and feel a part of the team. But there’s a lesson to be learned here about expectations. Let’s set them high, folks.

I don’t want to take away from the awesomeness of this clip – the community spirit and the raw support for this kid is out of this world. I really did cry….moments before I got a little annoyed.

School has been back in session for some time now. Have you checked your child’s backpack lately? Are they growing little science experiments in there with left over crumbs and crumpled up paper?

A backpack is just one organizational tool your children will be carrying around with them during all of their schooling years. Teach them to organize it properly to prepare them for success. Here are a few tips to get you started…

1. First things first, Label It! If something happens to your child’s backpack make sure it is identifiable so it can be returned to the proper owner. DO NOT emblazon your son or daughter’s name on the backpack so that a stranger can see it and call them by name. DO, however add a discreet label like a bag tag or iron-on label for easy identification.
2. Most backpacks come with multiple sized pockets for storing supplies. Teach your children where to put everything and not just use the section for books as a large dumping ground. Use a pocket for pencils, and smaller objects and a section for notebooks and books.
3. Show your children how to properly keep their papers in a folder instead of just shoving them into the abyss of the backpack. Otherwise you might not see that paper in one piece again.
4. When your children get home from school have them empty their backpacks and show you what homework needs to be done and have a place to set aside graded papers.
5. Last but not least, have a designated place for your child’s backpack to hang until the next day. Make it routine that the backpack goes to that place every night so that there is no confusion where it is the next day.

Your organizational habits go with you into adulthood so we want to get our children off on the right start. We have all had our share of backpack days like them and some of you may still be using them. Many of you are using purses or briefcases now. What does your purse say about your organizational habits? Does your purse or briefcase look like your backpack did in high school?

Mabel’s Labels is making space for someone who is an expert on just that! Organizing professional Tanna Clark will be joining us every Thursday with fresh ideas and tips for clearing the clutter and getting organized. Tanna turned a lifelong passion for organizing into her great online business Complete Organizing Solutions. As the mother of three young children and a certified professional, Tanna’s combination of experience and expertize will inspire the chaos-tamer in all of us! Look for her first post this week.