Triangle Parents Find Stress-Free Mornings In "Organizing Students for Success" Workshop

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mornings in many houses are a battle between stressed-out parents and ill-prepared students, with frantic searches for clothes, books and papers. Evenings aren't any better with last-minute supply needs and heated discussions around homework.

Unfortunately, organization 101 isn't a subject taught in school. But in a special workshop taught Tuesday by the Professional Organizer Janice Russell, parents learned how to "Organize Students for Success."

Russell, also known as the "Overseer of Order," said the morning routine needs to be just that --- a routine.

"Being well organized clears mental clutter and frees students to concentrate on the tasks at hand.  It also lowers stress levels, both for the child and within the family,"  said Russell, a former teacher who now owns the organizing firm, Minding Your Matters®. "There are many strategies to help you and your student get and stay organized for easier mornings now --- and as they grow into the future."

Russell's shared strategies included:

    * Fundamental organizing principles that are applicable to both space and time
    * Day-to-day strategies that will help their student(s)
    * Time management tools that will assist in making the best use of time


Russell started with the foundation of organizing, explaining that parents need to set a good example.
 
"Your child sees you marking out time in your calendar to handle tasks, such as paying bills, and they will learn from you," Russell said.

Parents laughed when she explained that children may not want to do it "our" way -- even when it comes to organizing dresser drawers.

"Most adults I know keep their undergarments in the top drawer. We just do. But if your child wants to put his in the bottom drawer, and that keeps everything in there instead of the floor, then what's the battle? Your child is much more likely to be organized if you let them make decisions."

More than 30 people attended the workshop, including parent Janice Cutler, who said the information will improve more than just mornings.

"I never thought about [organization] that way," said Cutler, whose daughter struggles with learning challenges. "This really got me thinking about how I'm not doing what needs to be done. She needs different materials that appeal to her. What she has ... she didn't decide what they were going to be."


About Janice Russell
Janice Russell, CPO-CD, founded Minding Your Matters® Organizing in 2002.  Janice’s unparalleled organizational skills were developed and honed through 13 year of experience in the corporate world and the educational arena.  Not only is Janice organized, thanks to her experience as a public school teacher, she has the ability to teach others how to organize themselves.  Janice is a published author and a highly sought-after speaker.  Since founding Minding Your Matters®, Janice and her team have helped more than 250 clients, and were featured on the TLC show “Hoarding:  Buried Alive” in 2010. Learn more about Janice's organizational skills at http://www.mindingyourmatters.com or her seminars at http://www.bringorderto.com/.