The school summer break is over for another year. So, the new school year with its promise of fresh beginnings, new challenges to be mastered and potential for success needs to get off to a flying start.

But often, rushed, flustered mornings and disorganised, chaotic evenings seem to characterise the week leaving kids and parents exhausted and forever trying to catch up.

However, by adopting some simple term time organisational routines and rules, you can help your kids make the most of all the opportunities that will come their way.
1. Ensure that a clear bedtime is set and adhered to – nobody can concentrate and learn without a good night's sleep.
2. Set alarm clocks and get up in good time.
3. Always send kids off to school with some breakfast inside them – fuel for learning is essential.
4. Lay out school clothes the night before so that there is no mad rush for missing shoes or blazers in the morning.
5. Make the lunch box the night before – get the kids to help!
6. Create a designated homework area which is well lit and quiet.
7. Ensure homework is completed directly after school while lessons are still fresh in the mind.
8. Offer a small healthy snack to munch on while completing homework to keep the tummy rumbles at bay.
9. Pack up homework into school bags and place by the front door to avoid panic searches in the morning.
10. Keep a weekly diary pinned up near the front door so extra curricular activities and equipment are remembered.
11. Check younger children's schoolbags regularly for communications from school – keep asking the older kids!
12. Allow kids time to relax and unwind each evening both with you and on their own.

So, if you can develop a sensible routine the kids will sleep well, be less stressed and more organised and so in turn should perform better at school.

And if along the way, the atmosphere in your home becomes calmer and more serene, the adults may just perform better too!

Brigitte Girling, of Style2Live, can be contacted, 01379 897248, or www.style2live.co.uk