Kids and Organization

I am a true believer in organization! I especially believe that it's important that we become good role models to our children when it comes to organizing and implementing structure in our homes. Organization is an essential life skill that shows respect, creates order from chaos, and helps a child feel more secure knowing where things belong.


Regardless on how small your house is, you can still organize your child's belongings. Spend a little money on containers at the Dollar Store or save old boxes from the grocery store to help organizer their toys, art projects, school books, shoes, etc.... If their items don't have a home, then how do they know where to put them??? They won't, therefore they will never even attempt to clean up because they won't know what to do with it. So why would your child try to pick up???


Although my oldest child is not at an age to pick up toys very good, she still knows where everything belongs. And when she wants something.....she goes and gets it immediately without any stress because it's always in the same place. For instance, the other day we were playing princess dancing. She suddenly realized that she need a wand to dance with. Therefore she headed straight to the playroom, went to the jewelry box, and grabbed her wand. Without any hesitation or confusion, she knew exactly where her item would be and came right back to play. Structure and less chaos is important for our children.


Organization also implies a respect for others. Have you every loaned something to a friend and never got the item back because they somehow lost it? Did you feel like they respected your property of personal items? Have you ever had to wait at the door forever because someone misplaced their shoes? Did you feel like they were not respecting your time or where you had to be next? What if they would have just put their shoes in the shoe bin in the first place?


Children will not know how to organize their belonging unless you give them the tools and resources.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Set up bins or containers and teach your child where each item belongs.

3. Label each container.

2. Organize them into importance. If they are really into barbies or cars, put those in the easiest places to reach.

4. Pack up or donate the toys they do not play with anymore.

5. Clean up toys EVERY night. Even if you have to do the rest after they go to bed. This makes every day a "new day." It keeps your house less chaotic, promotes new play, teaches respect, and responsibility.

6. Be flexible and helpful. Your children are not going to be able have the attention span like you do. They won't be able to pick up every toy, every time. So, help them. It's your house too. We all have to work together to keep the house clean and organized.

7. Set good examples. How do you expect your child to keep their room clean if yours looks like a tornado just rolled in?