Parents love their kids, even if they are a little messy. Let’s face it; kids don’t come out of the womb clean, and for the most part, they cause more chaos than we would like. However, they don’t have to stay that way. If it’s messy, it can get cleaned. Here are four ways to teach your children about organizational skills.
Break It Down
Everything is a learning curve with kids. You can’t just give them a task and expect them to tackle it with no problems. When they learn new subjects and school, teachers break down the lesson into separate parts so they can better understand it.
You need to do the same thing with them at home. Give them small tasks to stay organized. For example, if they take something out of the kitchen cabinets or the refrigerator, gently but firmly remind them to place items back the way they found them once they’re done using them. Eventually, this will become a habit for them.
Make a List
Make a list, and check it twice. Most kids are visual learners. Creating a list of tasks and checking them off one by one cultivates organization. Don’t start with a list for only them just yet.
Create a list for yourself and ask your children to help you. Write down all the things you need to get done that day, share the list with them, and have them tag along for each chore. As you complete a task, your children can check it off. Then, ask them what’s next on the list. This demonstrates and develops a pattern for them.
Give Them a Room
Now, it’s time to give them a chore. Make it something personal before moving on to bigger tasks. Decluttering their playroom is a great first step. Depending on the state of the room, it might be difficult for them to handle it on their own, and that’s okay.
You’re always there to help them with whatever they need. Try breaking down the cleanup into chunks. Have your children tackle one corner of the room at a time, and the whole area will look organized by the end of the week!
Start a Planner
Finally, get them a kid-friendly planner. Here is where you make a list specifically for them. They’ve seen how you handle lists, and now they can give it a try. In the beginning, you may need to write most things for them. Eventually, they’ll add to it.
The list can be simple tasks, like brushing your teeth, taking a bath, going outside to play, or starting homework. Whatever activities they need to complete that day, add them to the list.
As a parent, you’ll need to teach your children a lot of things, and organizational skills are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our podcast for any additional advice you may need to be the best parent you can be!
