So it's August again already.  How did that happen?  I've already wandered with eyes glazed-over up and down the aisles of Walmart pilfering through school supplies.  Now it is time to tackle the dreaded clothing inventory.

Ugh!  The very thought makes me cringe and ushers the kids into hiding.  I prepare to don my cape and transform into "Super Nag!"

But something clicks.  I decide to STOP THE MADNESS!  I tweak things a bit and here's what I come up with:

1.  I decide that this does not all have to happen today.  

2. Gratitude.  I am grateful to have these little people in my life.  I am also grateful that we are able to participate in this crazy societal ritual.  I am grateful that our children are growing and that we are able to get them the things they need for school.

3.  Timing?  I determine the best possible hours to tackle this with each of the children.  Both of them are best in the morning and so am I!

4.  I take my daughter, who is naturally more organized, first, and we get through it!  Success!

5.  My son struggles with this more, so I invite him to do the task on his terms.  I ask him if he would like to go through all of the drawers today or do one a day.  He opts to do one a day.  

6.  I ask him to make a checklist of his drawers so that he can mark off when he has accomplished each one.  Much to my surprise, he decides to draw a picture of his dresser and places checkboxes next to each one.  Then he leaves it at his place at the table so that he can remember to check it each day.

7.  He cleaned out his first drawer today.

Win-Win!  And best of all, I get to be good ole' Mom for one more day.