Organising solutions for school

Colouring-in magic

Problem:

Because children love colouring-in you have a heap of broken crayons at home.

Solution:

Instead of throwing them awayand buying new ones, recycle the odd bits of leftover crayon.

Place the crayon bits in an overnproof dish and melt them either in the oven (at about 180°C) or in the microwave. Pour the different coloured melted crayons in layers into a silicone ice cube tray. these are available in fun designs but choose one that your child will be abke to grip easily.

Alternatively, use an old muffin pan to make the crayons. Place the crayon pieces into the pan and put it directly into the oven.

ID kit

Problem:

You are worried about your tot's safety and the possibilty that he. or his things, might get lost.

Solution:

Download our Id tag for your child to carry with him from www.yourparenting.co.za

Attach it to his backpack or even a favourite toy. Include important information such as your name and contact details as well as your address and any allergies he may have.

Make it fun to carry around by adding pictures of him as well as siblings, and show him your ID document so that he knows that you also carry one with you.

Schedule savvy

Problem:

Each person in the family has a separate to-do-list and with your hectic life it's sometimes difficult to keep up with everyone's schedule.

Solution:

Transform a napkin holder into a simple filing system. Cut some stiff card to form dividers and create a system that works for you.

Our suggestion is either to give each member of the family a slot and place anything pertinent to their schedule- invites, school letters, function reminders and invoices particular to their activities into their own section or to divide the box up into the days of the week and place what you'll need for the different days of the week and place what you'll need for the different days into the appropriate day slot. Make a placeholder for future events in the back.

If you need help creating a system go to our website at www.yourparenting.co.za for a printable download.