I have 3 kids that all attend a school with a uniform dress code. I've found I can save a lot of money by shopping for gently used uniform clothes at Goodwill and other second hand stores. Kids tend to outgrow their uniform clothes faster than they can wear them out.

Also, if your kids go to a uniform school check and see if the school has a clothing store or exchange program. My children's school PTA runs a "clothing closet". Parents donate gently used uniform clothes that don't fit their kids anymore. If you bring in donations you can do an even swap for items in the correct sizes or you can purchase items for just a few dollars. All the proceeds go to the PTA.

If your school doesn't have a clothing closet consider volunteering to start one.

You can get first pick of clothes that come in and save a ton of money on your kids school wardrobe. You also get some volunteer time in at your kids school. It's definitely a win-win situation any way you look at it.

I posted a "School Has Begun" schedule on our refridgerator. It tells my boys their morning schedule before their school day schedule actually begins:

7:00am - Morning Chores
7:15am - Breakfast
7:40am - Out the Door (shoes on, backpacks on)
7:45am - Walk to School

If anything, this helps me stay on track! No more running to school!!


I also made a chore chart (using DLTK's Custom Chore Charts). Their Morning Chores are things they would do anyway, but seeing them out in print helps and once they've done them, they put a sticker next to it. This way I know what they've done and it helps them "earn" a little allowance. Their chores are: make bed, use bathroom, brush teeth, get dressed, comb hair, open blinds, backback by the door.

This has all proven to make our mornings SO easy!!!