5 Ways to Organize Children
I can’t believe it is almost the end of August! The summer flew by as usual and now it means time for business and to get ready for the upcoming school year for those of you who have children. It is time to stop putting all of the pressure on yourself and start making your kids involved in the whole process. Here are ways that we can get our children more involved in the every day processes:
1. Enable Independence
If you want kids to help with keeping things clean and organized, you must empower them to do things on their own. If you want them to be able to do things for themselves you have to make sure that they have easy access to these systems that are put into place.
Keep things on the shelves at eye level, put toys in easy to reach places for clean up, put snacks in easy to reach drawers or shelves so they can put things away or pack things for themselves.
I always think of Maria Montessori when it comes to this. One of the main philosophies behind her teachings are to create independence. By giving children independence, they will be more success and able to manage themselves and think independently. Isn’t that what we want for them anyways? We want to teach them independence in order for them to grow.
2. Keep it Simple
This follows with creating independence. You want to make sure that things are as simple for children as possible so they can be more independent. We want to set them up for success, not failure!
For instance, if you know that little Johnny does not like cleaning his toys, we can help create the system, but Johnny needs to be held accountable for cleaning up after himself and using that system. The systems I am talking about could be things like, do not use containers with lids on them because something so simple as to opening a lid, is just one whole extra step that some kids will not bother doing which will deter them from putting it away in the first place.
3. Set Designated Areas
One important thing to do is to make sure each item has a designated area where they go and stick to it!
Have a designated spot where kids put their shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the moment they walk in the door. It can be something like a closet by the door, a cubby by the entryway, or even something as simple as putting a hook on the wall and a bench or floor mat under it to store the rest of their belongings in one spot.
This is just one example via Crafty Southern Mama
4. The “One In - One Out” Rule
One good practice for children (even adults) is the “one in - one out” ruse. This means that you do not get something new without disposing of something that you have had for so long.
You can start to teach children about giving at this point. When they want to get a new toy, we can have them make the decision themselves on what item they would like to give to someone else doesn’t have it.
If you have watched the Netflix series, “Tidying Up” with Marie Kondo, or read Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, you will notice that something that Marie teaches is how to let items go. She tells you to let go of the things that do not “spark joy” by thanking the object for its service. This is just one method you could try or have your children try. If they do not enjoy playing with a certain toy anymore, then maybe it is time to give it to someone else who can play with it and enjoy it just like they did.
5. Stick to a Routine
We all know how important routines are for adults, and they are even more important for children.
As a previous school teacher, I had to plan everything “to the T”. There were blocks of time for each thing and i would even show the students where items were and where they had to go back. If for some reason i forgot to do something in the exact same order, the students would call me out on it right away and remind me.
In a perfect world, we would be able to do this at home too, but I know it is a lot harder at home because things are always happening and changing. If we make it a priority to work on creating habits such as hanging their backpack up, then that will form into a routine and they will automatically start doing it on their own.
It does take about two months to form a habit. So be persistent and don’t give up!
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest and check out my board on Keeping Kids Organized for some DIY ideas before school starts!
P.S - if you are not a DIY person, maybe you need a little hands on help, and that is where I come in. I do offer hands on services to get these systems put into place for you. See the Top 5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Organizer blog post if you are on the fence.
If you are ready to take the plunge now for a less hectic work and school week please contact me!
Talk soon,
Amy