The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

Have you ever noticed how much more you can fit in your desk when it is clean and organized compared to when it is messy? The same goes for our lives. The better organized we are, the more we are able to pack in- more time for family, friends and fun. This is what putting first things first is all about. It’s about working before we play and keeping our lives organized. There is a time for everything: homework, chores, playing, sleep; and there should be a place for everything: homework, shoes, toys. Notice how Pokey felt when he was unprepared for the test and how he felt the second time when he was prepared. Do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do…that is what it means to DO FIRST THINGS FIRST-the 3 rd Habit.

Priorities and organization: What difference does it really make!? Let’s find out… Organization relay race!

How Organized are you? 1.My Back Pack is: A.Spic and Span B.Pretty Neat C.Messy, Messy! 2.I do my homework: A.In a set spot every night like a table or desk B.On the couch, in the car, wherever I can get it done. C.Homework? I don’t usually do my homework. 3.When I first get to school I: A.Get myself ready for the day and get straight to my morning work. B.Talk to my friends until my teacher tells me to get to work. C.Barely make it to class it time, search through my back pack for 5 minutes because I can’t find my homework, walk around the room for a while, sharpen a pencil because I don’t have one ready and then eventually get to my morning work if I have time.

How Organized are you? 4.When I get ready to do my homework, I: A.Have everything I need nearby. B.Always seem to be looking for a pencil or something. C.Realize I forgot to bring home a book or something important I need. 5. When I finish my homework: A.I check my work and then put it in a folder in my backpack. B.Leave it on the table for the morning and grab a snack. C.Yell, “Finally!” and run off to play so fast that I don’t even remember where I left it. 6. I use my planner to: A.Write my homework in everyday and I always check it at night to make sure I finished everything. B.Usually write my homework in, but also to keep track of what fun things I’m doing at night and on the weekend! C.Count down the days until summer break!

How Organized are you? Mostly A’s: Wow! You’re on top of organization! Here is an advanced tip for organized kids like you: When you have a big assignment to do for school, like a book report or project, plan ahead and get started right away. List the supplies you’ll need, your ideas, and the steps you will take. As you collect information, keep your plan, notes, printouts and anything else in one folder. When you’re ready to put it all together, everything will be in one spot and ready to go! Mostly B’s: You’re on your way to rockin’ this organization thing! Just take a little extra time to make sure your doing the things that you know are right, like writing homework in your planner, taking everything you need home at night and putting your homework back in your backpack as soon as you finish it at night! If you know that there is one area of organization you struggle in like keeping your desk clean or always taking home your homework, ask your teacher, mom or dad for ways you can work on being more organized in that one area! Mostly C’s: You have some trouble in the area of being organized. But don’t worry, this is something you can easily change with just a few ideas and some practice. Why don’t you start by organizing your desk, talking to your teacher, mom or dad about a plan for doing your homework (including when and where you will do it, and what to do with it when you’re finished), double check to make sure everything is in your backpack before you go home from school and use your planner everyday!

Put First Things First Challenge This week, I challenge you to clean out and organize your desk! Make it your goal this year to always keep it nice and tidy. If you are already an expert at keeping your desk clean, think of something else in your life that could be a little more organized, like your cubby, back pack or bedroom and tidy it up!