Retrain your brain for better organization

Between your kids and the demands of the office, there's always so many balls up in the air. Feel like you're dropping some? Why not rethink your approach and get more organized in your life.

Here are some handy tips to get you there.

This article originally appeared in our March issue under the headline "Top 10 tips to retrain your brain," p.94.

Instead of giving a time out, enforce age-appropriate chores, like cleaning the junk drawer or organizing books on a shelf.

From holiday decorations to a new cute T-shirt, get rid of an item for every new piece you bring home.

Teach your kids to put things away properly before they move on to something else.

Pick one night a week to be “cheat night” for dinner. It could mean takeout, delivery, breakfast for dinner, or simply a frozen meal.

Make it more of a surprise by creating a “dining out” jar and put all of your options on a piece of paper and randomly select one each week.

No laundry fairy? Buy a week’s worth of inexpensive socks and underwear for each person in your family. (You can always spot clean a shirt or pair of pants, if necessary.)

Use your anniversary date to plan a monthly date night.

Married on August 5? The fifth of every month is your night, regardless of whether it falls on a Tuesday or Saturday.

Put your kids’ clothes away by daily outfit, rather than sorting by item. Make sure to include a top, bottom, socks and underwear, as well as any sweaters, tights or leggings they may need.

And always have them lay clothes out the night before.

Use a dry-erase marker to write lists and words of encouragement on your mirror.

Tell yourself you are fabulous every single day!