Shine those apples and sharpen those pencils. School is now underway and it’s a great time to refresh household routines. What things are working well and what things are…still being…ahem…fine tuned? Below are some practical tips to help you help your kiddos.
1. Create a Routine
Establishing a daily routine helps children understand what to expect and when. A consistent schedule for wake-up times, meal times, homework, and bedtime makes it easier for kids to manage their time and responsibilities. Visual schedules, like a chart or a calendar, can be a great tool for younger children to see their day at a glance.
2. Teach Time Management
Help your kids learn to manage their time effectively by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Use timers to create a sense of urgency and encourage them to focus on one task at a time. This not only helps with organization but also builds important skills like planning and prioritizing.
3. Encourage Daily Clean-Up
Incorporate a clean-up routine into your child’s day. Encourage them to tidy up their room, organize their backpack, and sort through their belongings each day. A quick 10-minute clean-up before bed can prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to find things when needed.
4. Teach Filing and Sorting Skills
Show your kids how to file and sort their papers, whether it’s schoolwork, artwork, or important documents. Use labeled folders or boxes for different categories, such as “Homework,” “Art Projects,” or “Important Papers.” This will help them locate what they need quickly and reduce the likelihood of losing important items.
5. Model Organizational Skills
Children learn a lot by observing their parents. Show them how you stay organized in your daily life—whether it’s by maintaining a calendar, keeping your workspace tidy, or using a to-do list. Your behavior will provide a practical example for them to follow.
6. Encourage Responsibility
Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities to help them develop a sense of ownership and accountability. Encourage them to take pride in their responsibilities and offer guidance as needed.
7. Praise and Reinforce
Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s efforts and successes in staying organized. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or small rewards, can motivate them to continue practicing good organizational habits. It’s important to recognize their achievements and encourage them to keep improving.
Looking for more ideas? Check out https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-get-your-child-organized.
Looking for more help? Get in touch with us at https://thewholepackageorganizing.com/contact/
For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned. -Benjamin Franklin
