Teach organization by being organized. Let planning ahead become part of your child's life, starting at an early age. Whether you are a two parent or a single parent family, being organized is a key to running an efficient home.

• The time to plan for the morning is the night before. The children should be actively involved in preparing for the next day.
• With assistance, preschool children can lay out their clothes the night before, including shoes, socks and a toy if they take one.
• After you have approved the older kids' completed homework, it should be put into their backpacks, and their backpacks should be placed by the door. They too can make their choices of clothing the night before and have them ready to step into.
• Make lunches at night, and also prepare for breakfast by placing cereal, bowls and spoons on the table.
• Even a low-tech family marker board can be used effectively to note any change in the day's schedule, such as a dental appointment or upcoming events. Older kids can program reminders into their electronics.
• Avoid early morning jangled nerves by making simple changes to your family's routine. I'm sure it will make for a much better start to the day, and who couldn't use that?

The Schoolmarm.