Getting Kids Organized IS Possible!

Kids will be kids, as the saying goes. Which means it may seem like organizing kids - whether tyke or teen - requires a super-sized miracle!

Here are 3 major factors for parents to consider when trying to help kids get organized:

(1) Set the example.

Kids mirror the behavior of those around them.

That's evident when, one day, you slip up and say *@#%$! and then, the next day, little Johnny says the very same word in front of an audience…and you are mortified.

In the same respect, it's hard to expect your kids to be organized when you aren't organized yourself. So set a good example by keeping your own room tidy.

(2) Straight talk.

Clarify your ground rules and expectations. After all, you can't get upset with them for not straightening up when you have given them little to no guidelines to follow.

Talk to your kids about the 5 Ws - who, what, where, when and why.

Who = You. I expect you to clean up your messes.

What = Your stuff. If you use it, you put it back after you're done.

Where = Your play area and room. That's where you spend most of your time.

When = On your own (ideally), on command, or at a scheduled time of day. When you are done playing, pick up on your own. -OR - Do so when I tell you to pick up - the first time I tell you. -OR - It's 730pm. Ready for Nightly Neaties?

Why = My little helper. You're mommy's/daddy's big helper when you do this…

Of course, you'll have to adjust your speech to the age and responsibility level of each child. Just remember that it's never too early to start organizing kids and instilling the habits of proper organization.

And be sure to reward good behavior!!!

(3) Stick to your guns.

Once you lay the groundwork of the 5 Ws, don't allow your kids an escape route. You've made your rules very clear, and thus they must be strictly enforced. This is a huge foot stomper when it comes to organizing kids.

How do you help your kids get organized?

Posted April 30, 2009, filed in Organizeit Projects, Living Simply, Less is More, Clutter Hacks