Getting the Kids Dressed for School

Tired of the day after day struggle to get everyone dressed and transported to school or child care? Here are some tried, tested and realistic ways to reclaim your sanity and make getting ready for work and school fun!

Analyzing and streamlining 2 key areas will provide you with sanity. What can you do ahead to simplify your life? One area that many find challenging is deciding what to wear. Too much precious time can be spent staring into a closet full of jumbled garments, wishing that a complete outfit (fully accessorized, of course!) would magically appear!

Well, that can happen -- if you prepare for it! Start simple: have the children put together one complete school outfit. Help them to make a list of everything that should be included. (For smaller tots or those just starting to write, let them dictate to you.) Show them the list, and help them read it. Prompt them to remember items such as belts, jewelry, special socks and so on. Not only are you sowing the seeds for a more organized life, you are also helping them learn to make lists, prioritize, match colors, and improve their penmanship. You will reap a satisfying future harvest from a small time investment now.

Once the kids can successfully put together one outfit, you can slowly increase to assembling 2, 3 or more ensembles. The goal is to have them spend 15-20 minutes over the weekend putting together five outfits, one for each school day. That's it! You just "bought" yourself 5 days of peace! No more "where's my shoes, my belt, my..." well, you know that scene!

Now, mom, you've taught your little munchkins how to prepare for the upcoming week. It's your turn! Go back to that closet, take a deep breath, and yank open that door! Harden your heart. Set your mind to super logic mode, and if it doesn't fit, donate it. Repeat: if it doesn't fit, donate it. Simplify your wardrobe, set yourself free and get ready for a new look that complements your current lifestyle.

Decide on a basic color scheme that you love. Don't be swayed by popular fashion gurus, friends or family. This is about you, and you deserve to wear clothes that are flattering. Black and white are fashion staples...classic, flattering to all body types and most skin tones. Deep, rich colors like red and purple add accents of color to make outfits "pop". After you have chosen 2 or 3 colors that you are passionate about, go through your closet again. Give away any item that isn't one of your colors. Be ruthless, you will be glad you did!

Once the garments have been winnowed down to core colors, start mixing and matching the items to see how many outfits can be assembled. Next, analyze the outfits for holes. Is a blouse needed in a core color to complete a look? How about a scarf or jewelry in a your chosen color for some bling? Make a wish list of items and add them as the opportunity arrives. There is only one rule: Don't buy any garment that isn't a core color. It doesn't matter if the store is giving it away, stick to your color choices.

This time you are sowing the seeds that will build a timeless, classic wardrobe that will ensure that you always look elegant. The rest is simple. Just organize 5 outfits for yourself. Hang each outfit together on a hanger with all fashion accessories. Zip closure bags are great for holding jewelry. Use a clothespin to attach the bag of jewelry to the hanger of the matching outfit.

Whew! That was a lot of work, but just look at the rewards: *Your children have an entire week's worth of clothing just waiting for them to hop inside! *You have a week's worth of "grab-n-go" wardrobe options. *You get to use the time savings however you choose as a family. *With all the money you've saved by streamlining wardrobes, you can go to the movies or something equally as fun!

In summary, a small amount of time investing in organizing, and preparing ahead for wardrobe choices, can result in time savings, chaos-free mornings, and a better lifestyle.