If you have school aged children you know that they drop their backpacks and books just inside the door when they get home.  Creating a place for those items can help ease the entryway chaos.  A “Launch Pad” or “Landing Pad” is just the ticket.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, a bookshelf or a cubby system near the door works great depending on the number of children you have.  Try to give it a creative name so that the kids get on board with the whole idea.  For example, The Boynton Blast Off Center or Cape Smith Launch Pad sounds much more fun and memorable.  Give each child an assigned space.  This is where they put anything that will be going to or coming from school.  Have a “ Parent Inbox” nearby for any fliers, announcements, tests or assignments for signature, notes from teachers, etc.  That way you know what paperwork needs to be dealt with for the day and you eliminate the last minute frenzy of signing paperwork in the car.  Once you have handled it return it to that child’s cubby/shelf.  Place lunch bags or lunchboxes in the assigned cubby once they are prepared for the day.  Completed homework, projects, items for sharing can all be placed in the child’s assigned spot ready for launch the next morning.  Taking the time to create your family Launch Pad will save endless hours of frustration and tame the entryway.