5. How do I organize a highly disorganized child?

Some kids are so disorganized that they seem to generate little typhoons of chaos wherever they go. These children require a high degree of parental monitoring.

Here are some tips on keeping your child organized:

• Check your child's homework book when she gets home and establish a homework plan together.

• If you need to help your child focus, work as a mentor. Read with her and ask her questions about the material.

• Consider using a big, color-coded calendar on the refrigerator and micromanage each step of a long project.