Kids learn more from what they see than from what they hear. So if your home is full of clutter, don't be surprised if your kids' rooms are messy. Model the behavior you want from your children!
Quick Tips
Establish zones. Zones help kids understand the concept of everything having a proper place. It also makes it easier for them to tidy the room and take responsibility for their own space. Create zones for your children's favorite activities (reading, art projects, etc.). Then, get creative in labeling these areas, and get your child involved. Make sure the shelving and storage units are the right height for your little one.
Set toy limits. Many homes are completely overrun with toys, stuffed animals, electronics, you name it! Set a limit to how much your child can own. Give them two or three bins for their toys. When the bins are full, no more new toys are allowed until a toy of a similar size is removed and given to charity. This teaches them the joy in giving to others and to value what is important to them.
Set toy routines. Limits help manage clutter, and so do routines. Set a time every day or after every activity for them to put their things away, and make it fun! They will learn about personal responsibility, the fundamentals of organization and how to help with simple chores.
Don't keep every piece of art or schoolwork. How do you pick and choose between what to keep and what to throw away? Make it a ceremony for your child. At the end of the semester, ask your child to pick the best of the best. Pick one to frame and three or four to keep for posterity. File flat artwork or papers away in a file so they have something to look back on later.
Get the best times of year to teach your children how to get organized and when to start getting ready for school.
How-to Videos
Tackle the Toy Box
The Art of Organizing Your Child's Projects
Quick Tips
Establish zones. Zones help kids understand the concept of everything having a proper place. It also makes it easier for them to tidy the room and take responsibility for their own space. Create zones for your children's favorite activities (reading, art projects, etc.). Then, get creative in labeling these areas, and get your child involved. Make sure the shelving and storage units are the right height for your little one.
Set toy limits. Many homes are completely overrun with toys, stuffed animals, electronics, you name it! Set a limit to how much your child can own. Give them two or three bins for their toys. When the bins are full, no more new toys are allowed until a toy of a similar size is removed and given to charity. This teaches them the joy in giving to others and to value what is important to them.
Set toy routines. Limits help manage clutter, and so do routines. Set a time every day or after every activity for them to put their things away, and make it fun! They will learn about personal responsibility, the fundamentals of organization and how to help with simple chores.
Don't keep every piece of art or schoolwork. How do you pick and choose between what to keep and what to throw away? Make it a ceremony for your child. At the end of the semester, ask your child to pick the best of the best. Pick one to frame and three or four to keep for posterity. File flat artwork or papers away in a file so they have something to look back on later.
Get the best times of year to teach your children how to get organized and when to start getting ready for school.
How-to Videos
Tackle the Toy Box
The Art of Organizing Your Child's Projects
Published 01/01/2006
