With summer here and kids out of school, it’s a great time to get the kids' rooms organized. This is an opportunity to teach your kids a necessary life skill of organizing! The extra time this summer will allow for new habits to be developed and in place before life gets crazy again in the fall. I’ll divide this blog topic into two parts. This week, the focus will be organizing strategies for younger kids. Next week, I will discuss keeping teens and pre-teens organized.
TOYS-
-Rotate toys rather than have them all out.
-Use containers that are easy for the kids to use, clear and easy-off lids.
-Little toys fall to the bottom of a large bins or toy boxes so put little items in small containers or in over-the-door shoe organizers with clear pockets.
-Label containers, drawers and shelves using words and pictures of the items that belong there so even pre-readers will be able to put away belongings.
CLOTHING
-Place in season clothing within the child’s reach. Store out of season clothing on higher closet rods or shelves.
-Use boxes or small bins for underwear/socks whether you keep these in the dresser or on a shelf in the closet.
-Hang outfits together on the same hanger or sort by pants, shirts, dress clothes, etc.
CHORES
-Laminate a checklist with responsibilities, eg-make bed, brush teeth, put dirty clothes in hamper, hang up towel. Create separate lists for morning, bedtime and “Clean your room”.
KEEPSAKES
-Keepsake box-Each child needs a box to store their keepsakes. When the box begins to get full, it’s time to weed out to make room for more. Scan artwork and make into photo books. An under- the- bed storage box is great for this.
MAINTENANCE
-Maintenance - Have kids pick up their toys and clothing each night before bed. Each weekend, have your kids do a more thorough clean-up. This task is much easier if they have something to look forward to after the clean-up is complete.
Remember that we must be good role models. Show your kids exactly what you mean when you ask them to clean their room. By teaching our kids to keep their belongings organized, we are also teaching them to value and respect their surroundings and their things.
TOYS-
-Rotate toys rather than have them all out.
-Use containers that are easy for the kids to use, clear and easy-off lids.
-Little toys fall to the bottom of a large bins or toy boxes so put little items in small containers or in over-the-door shoe organizers with clear pockets.
-Label containers, drawers and shelves using words and pictures of the items that belong there so even pre-readers will be able to put away belongings.
CLOTHING
-Place in season clothing within the child’s reach. Store out of season clothing on higher closet rods or shelves.
-Use boxes or small bins for underwear/socks whether you keep these in the dresser or on a shelf in the closet.
-Hang outfits together on the same hanger or sort by pants, shirts, dress clothes, etc.
CHORES
-Laminate a checklist with responsibilities, eg-make bed, brush teeth, put dirty clothes in hamper, hang up towel. Create separate lists for morning, bedtime and “Clean your room”.
KEEPSAKES
-Keepsake box-Each child needs a box to store their keepsakes. When the box begins to get full, it’s time to weed out to make room for more. Scan artwork and make into photo books. An under- the- bed storage box is great for this.
MAINTENANCE
-Maintenance - Have kids pick up their toys and clothing each night before bed. Each weekend, have your kids do a more thorough clean-up. This task is much easier if they have something to look forward to after the clean-up is complete.
Remember that we must be good role models. Show your kids exactly what you mean when you ask them to clean their room. By teaching our kids to keep their belongings organized, we are also teaching them to value and respect their surroundings and their things.
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