Keep the activities calm and for the most part quiet. Reading, playing board games, watching a movie, any of those will do to hold their attention so that you can still watch them and do your job and yet you're not straining yourself.

Keep all dates of appointments handy for anyone to see, in case you have to leave for an emergency. That way, all appointments made in advance won't be lost.

I always have baby sitters who can spend the night with my children, in case I have to go to the hospital over night. One quick call and they meet me in the Emergency room, and take the kids back to their or my house.

Keep a list of phone numbers handy for emergencies.

Have your child eat breakfast and lunch at school. Most schools offer free or reduced meals if you are unable to work and you qualify.

If they don't eat the school lunches like mine started to not do, have them make their own sandwiches the night before. Then they can stuff chips, banana, apple, cheese sticks, cheese and crackers, or whatever else they want, in the morning.

Get together with the parent of a friend of your child to trade off driving. Have numbers handy in case you are having a hard time in the morning.

Have your child prepare their outfits the day before, including socks, undergarments, shoes and any hair accessories.

Keep the hair styles simple for the girls. Braids may look cute, but it is difficult for a mommie to keep her arms raised for so long, and for the delicate work of the braids, it may be too much on your fingers.

If possible, try to pay for all meals months in advance. For my three children, for 3 months of breakfast and lunch combined, it is just about one hundred dollars.

Keep all homework together in one spot. Making sure backpacks are fully supplied, all monies are included.

Most teachers now have internet in the class room. Keeping in touch through email has saved me quite a few trips to the class room.

For class parties, always volunteer for products that can be store bought. Paper plates, cups, drinks, and chips with dip are my staples for class parties.