Getting Organized: Dr. Brad's TV Interview and Tips

Click on the video player to the left to watch Dr. Brad's TV interview. Click on the "Cool Kids Parenting Tips" icon above to open a Word document of these tips in English and Spanish to send to parents or link to this web page in e-mails and school web sites.

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Getting Organized, by Dr. Brad Schwall

The Goals of Getting Organized

Being organized helps you be:

Less stressed
More efficient
More effective

How to Get it Done

1. Know what needs to be done

Write it down

List quick "to-dos," current projects, upcoming projects, and a project wish-list

Talk as a family about upcoming commitments and assignments

2. Make a plan

Mark time-specific "to-dos" on your calendar

Have a routine

Go over the upcoming week with your family

Keep a family calendar

Break big tasks into smaller steps

3. Put the plan into action

Stick to your plan

Get things done ahead of time avoiding procrastinating

Adjust when necessary

Review what you have accomplished

Keep planning

Focus on successes

Teaching Children to Be Organized

Model organization
Guide children to be organized by supervising planning
Allow children to be responsible for organizing, planning, and getting things done

A Great Book

Getting Things Done, by David Allen