Photos: © 2011 Ian MacPherson.

Whether you’re just trying to make it to Christmas or you’re heading into a new school year, Cubeo can help train your kids to organise themselves. It’s a simple device that attaches to a schoolbag. Using the easy-to-understand Cubeo stickers as a sort of “daily planner”, kids have an instant reminder of what they need to take on a given day.

Armed with a Cubeo and these few wise tips, you’ll soon be wondering how you ever managed without.

1. Preparation: Help your children set out what they’ll need the day before school. Lay out uniforms, pack school bags and prepare lunchboxes. Cubeo makes it fun for children to pack their own bags, using the handy sticker system.

2. A good brief: Talk about what needs to be done in the morning and in what order – you could use visual cues like photos, drawings or even Cubeo stickers to list the top four or five things (don’t make it too complex!)

3. Give that schoolbag a home: Keep essentials like bags, shoes and hats in an easily accessible place and make sure they remember to use it.

4. Learn to delegate: Encourage your kids to run through the routine and let them take control of it as much as possible as the week progresses. Be patient! They’ll learn faster by doing and they’ll appreciate the confidence you have in them.

5. Keep up the good work: Habits take about three weeks to set – and the more fun you make it, the more likely it is you’ll be the one relaxing with a morning coffee while the kids get ready!

Cubeos are available from Hocusadabra (they ship internationally too).