Many children struggle with organization and executive function skills, especially at the beginning of the school year. If your child has forgotten a lunchbox, water bottle, or anything else between school and home, try these helpful strategies to set them up for success.

At home, put a simple checklist near their backpack. Include special items for certain days (e.g., gym shoes on Tuesdays, lunch money on Fridays, etc.). In the mornings, have your child go through the checklist and pack up their backpack on their own (with your help at first). Over time, they will be able to do this more quickly and with independence.

Similarly, attach a simple checklist to their backpack to remind them what they need to bring home. Now, all they have to remember is to check their list, and it's all right there!

Helpful hint: If you don't have easy access to a laminator, cover both sides of your check list with clear packaging tape and trim off the excess.