Even the most organized people sometimes feel overwhelmed and exasperated when facing numerous daily expectations and responsibilities. How do we seem to get everything done? How do we get from point A to point B on time? It isn’t always easy.

Some people are great at multi-tasking. Others are lucky in receiving the right resources and assistance from friends and family.

I have heard of people who take a day off from work simply to play ‘catch up’. That is, they stay home just to wash clothes, scrub tubs, pay bills and do what needs to be done that time hasn’t allowed. That may seem crazy; yet with ball games, church festivities and school projects happening on a regular basis, families are fortunate just to get to bed on time. Most parents who are busy doing the right things for themselves and their children often feel tugged and stretched to meet deadlines.

Among all the chaos and activity, efficient parents also find a way to feed their children healthy meals, help them with their homework, and read them a story before bedtime. It is amazing what children are exposed to each day. That is why it is vital that parents teach their children right from wrong and spend quality time together.

Whether it is one parent or two, children need to know they are loved and their world is not going to crumble because a relationship did not last between two adults. Parents are the greatest leaders in teaching children to become responsible and organized. It doesn’t matter if it is learning how to organize the dishes in the dishwasher or organizing their clothes for school.

Routine helps children feel comfortable and skilled at accomplishing tasks they know are expected of them and they are able to do. In organizing papers, clothes or household belongings, it is wise to discover a successful system that works best for each individual. For example, some people prefer that their possessions are color-coded.

When organizing papers, distinguish between school or work and what is considered personal. Then, find the right drawer, file or storage space for each category or receipt. Some people prefer to file forms based on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis. The date received on each document is usually of utmost importance.

Some people take the time to highlight these numbers in conjunction with other pertinent content on a form or memo.

You might have heard the saying, “Less clutter, less stress.” Well, organized people know how to keep their paperwork and their daily duties in order. They are more collected and punctual because they know where everything is, and whom they can depend on when they find themselves in a ‘jam.’ If you do not consider yourself an organized person, take baby steps toward daily new and improved practices that will help you become the structured person you desire to be in the future.

As always, remember that your little ones will often mimic your style of methods and conduct.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who serves as an English instructor for Daphne Middle School and Faulkner State Community College.

Her column appears twice a month, exclusively in the Daphne Bulletin and on BaldwinCountyNow.com.