Teaching kids how to be organized
Teaching kids how to be organized is one of those life skills like good manners and gratitude that will serve them the rest of their lives. It’s also a skill that most kids don’t enjoy learning.
Nobody is born knowing how to organize or to say “thank you” so it must be taught. You may say you’re not organized but you are more so than your child. You can teach this skill and it will pay off for you and for them.
Here are some tips to get kids organized and to teach those skills at the same time. They apply to adults as well so keep reading even if you don’t have kids!
When it comes to toys and playtime: clean up is part of play. Dumping toys from a container is pure bliss; putting them back is not so much. However you can teach them that putting them away is part of the process. Take 5 or 10 minutes to help them put those toys back when playtime is over to reinforce the pairing of activities.
Gameify picking things up. Reward them for putting trash in the trashcan or for who can put away 10 toys first. Gamification isn’t just for online marketing. It’s a huge part of parenting.
Let go of perfection. Their version of neat will not be yours but it’s part of the process. Reward the attempt and keep showing them how it’s done.
Purge toys, clothes, and books regularly. If it is not being used, especially if it doesn’t fit, donate or give away. You can try rotating toys that they don’t actively play with. More options are not necessarily better.
As they get older, get them involved with the review process. Identifying toys that they’ve outgrown and can donate to others teaches detachment to physical items. It also teaches them how to prioritize which is another key organizational skill.Keep their toys and clothes accessible to them. You can’t expect nor do you want them climbing shelves or cabinets to get to their toys, books, or clothes. When it is accessible to them then they can at least attempt to put it back!
Label, label, label. This alone eliminates the “I don’t know where it goes” excuse for not putting up toys. It helps you figure out where everything should go and indicates to them where it belongs. If your kids are not yet reading, use pictures as labels. Labels are also helpful for babysitters or visiting family members to know where things go.
While none of these tips will make a difference in one day, they all help to create an organized environment that serves as a solid teaching foundation. You are teaching and enforcing the good habits of taking care of and respecting your space. Putting LEGOs away may seem insignificant except to your feet but it’s part of the long and rewarding process of rearing the next generation.
Happy organizing!