Building a Command Center

Heading back to school this fall is going to look different for everyone. Whether your kids will be learning remote, homeschooling, or returning to classes in-person, your key to success will be preparedness. Establishing a well-organized “command center” for yourself is an excellent way to ensure a successful transition back to school! Here are five things to consider as you do so:

1. Organization - Wherever you decide to create a home base, make sure its foundation is a well-functioning organization system. Evaluate your space and what you’ll need it to hold. This will help you determine what pieces will set you up for success. Maybe shelves, cubbies, or drawers would make a big difference. Or maybe you just need to add some drawer organizers, magazine holders, or paper trays to your set-up. Either way, make sure you’ve got a strongly organized foundation to start off!

2. Supplies - Be sure to stock up on paper, pens, pencils, paper clips, staplers, tape, folders, art supplies and whatever specific supplies you’ll need for your kids’ school schedule. You’ll also want to make sure you have the things you need to plan and stay on top of things like notepads, sticky notes, book darts and of course, your planner!

3. Preparedness - Dedicate a space in your command center for items you’ll need in small crises, such as a first-aid kit, tissues, baby wipes, a Tide-to-go pen and your go-to cleaning materials. You may also want to stock up on additional school supplies such as White-out, erasers and extra paper in case your kids need to fix or re-do an assignment.

4. Special Powers - This is where you really dig into the question “What makes me the ‘cool’ mom?” :) You know your kids best, so keep a stash of their favorite snacks or treats to help get them through a long day of school, remote or in-person. You could even stock up on some small games or toys for them to choose from as a congratulations when they hit important milestones in class!

5. Self-care - Don’t forget you! Personalize your command center so it really feels like a small oasis in the middle of kid chaos. Brighten the space with a beautiful vase and flowers or a yummy candle. Add a meaningful photo or an inspiring piece of art. And definitely create a secret stash of chocolate to keep all to yourself!

Have you created a back-to-school command center for yourself? What are your essentials? Share with us in the comments!