It's hard to believe, but going back to school is just around the corner. The commercials have already become oppressive.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for going back to school is to organize your schedule on both the macro and micro levels.

On the micro level, as much as possible, each school day should have a routine, from wakeup through bedtime. Of course, there will be some variation based on after school events or homework levels, but having a basic pattern to the days gives structure and prevents dithering about what to do next: homework or chores. Involve the kids in establishing the daily routine. For example, come home, change into play clothes, eat a snack, do homework, do chores, eat dinner, do post-dinner chores, play, 30 minutes of reading, set things out for the next day, bath, bed.

On the macro level, it's helpful to have a large calendar in a central place. It can be electronic or paper, as you wish, but everyone's personal calendar should synch from this central one. As kids begin school, you'll get notices about dates and events. Putting them on the calendar immediately helps to ensure that you don't forget to find child care on that teacher in-service day in March and that you try to avoid a work trip the day of parent-teacher conferences.

I like to keep things where I can see them. You might want to consider posting the routine and the calendar on the kitchen wall. I'm a fan of the newsprint tablets that have adhesive on the back. I can hang them on the wall and they cause no damage when you take them down.

It may be hard to maintain the routine and the calendaring as the year goes on, but starting off well is crucial.If you get out of habit, just go back to the schedule as quickly as you can. Don't be afraid to tweak it if necessary to make it more useful. Remember, it's about making your life easier and more organized.