Kids and disorganization frequently go hand in hand, and although some chaos is typically standard fare when raising kids, it doesn't have to rule your home! Being organized is a skill that anyone can learn. Since most kids are not naturally inclined to be neat, learning this important skill will help them build good habits and self discipline that will contribute to their success in school, career and all areas of life. The following are some simple ways to help your kids learn the art of organization.
1. Hold A Family Strategy Session
Planning how you want to tackle getting your home organized will involve the entire family. Therefore, get everyone involved! Before you present the idea to your kids, create an overview of the areas in your home that are the most disorganized. Once you have done this, hold a family strategy session, letting everyone contribute ideas on how to create order from the chaos. Getting your kids involved will help them feel a sense of ownership, making their participation something to take pride in rather than something to dread.
2. Lead By Example
The easiest way to teach your kids to be organized is to practice what you preach. Start by designating a place for things that are used regularly by all household members. If you are disorganized yourself, this will be a bit of a challenge at first, but don't despair! It will get easier with a little practice. Make a list of things your kids use daily, such as toys or school books, and designate a specific place for these items, making sure that they are returned to the same spot when not in use. As your kids become more consistent, add additional items to the list. Before you know it, you will have organized kids and a well organized home! Remember, too, that the younger you start training your kids to be organized, the easier it will be.
3. Decluttering Your Way To Success
The best organizational plans can quickly end in frustration if your home is hopelessly cluttered! Make decluttering the house a family event. Have everyone go through closets and bedrooms, sorting out unwanted items. Once this is done, have each person designate where different items will go in their area and label it. This will help them to stay organized in the future. By starting with a neat home, it will also be easier to keep it that way.
4. Show and Tell
Sometimes kids will bend the truth, especially when asked if they have completed unpleasant tasks, such as cleaning, organizing or doing their homework. This is when show and tell becomes a crucial step in the organization process. Whether it's cleaning and organizing, or completing their homework, it's best to have them show you exactly what they have done. If they have a heavy homework load, which is common when they are attending junior high and high school, they may simply forget an assignment. By actually examining their work, you can be confident that they have completed all of their assignments. Your kids will also be confident that they will arrive at school ready for class, with their completed homework in hand. It is helpful to get them in the habit of placing completed assignments in their school backpack, leaving it by the door ready for the next school day.
5. Reward Accomplishments
Some might consider rewarding their kids by paying them for helping around the house to be bribery, but it can be a great way to teach responsibility and a strong work ethic. After all, when we report to work each day, we expect to be paid for our efforts. Kids respond equally well to being rewarded for their efforts! Just be sure that the reward offered is realistic pay for the work being performed. Most people wouldn't promise their teenager a Ferrari for simply cleaning their room and taking out the trash. A few dollars allowance each week, or a visit to the local mall for that new CD or outfit they have been talking about, however, might suffice as equitable compensation! Be sure to make it clear that if their room is a mess, homework is incomplete or their chores not done, no reward is forthcoming.
James is the employee of a British printer cartridge supplier which means he works with a whole range of toner cartridges and printer ink when he’s not setting up the blog.
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