Staying organized with kids is tough, and some kids seem to come with a whirlwind of chaos of their very own. Getting your child organized can improve school performance, behavior, keep your home tidy, and provide valuable life long skills. Most kids need some help creating and maintaining organizational systems, ranging from a homework center and schedule to toy storage. Choose organizational tools that fit your child's personality and needs for the best result. Even very young children can get organized and learn good habits.
Step 1
Go through your child's clothing. Store or donate out of season or outgrown clothing. Simplify her wardrobe. Choose storage that is child-friendly, including lower closet rods and simple open bins.
Step 2
Create a toy library, suggests Organized Home. Pack some of his toys into a large lidded plastic bin and store in the basement or garage. Bring out the stored toys and swap them for other toys in a few months to keep toy clutter to a minimum without asking her to give up favorite toys.
Step 3
Store toys, art supplies or other belongings in plastic bins. Label each bin clearly, using pictures instead of words for children too young to read. Clear bins work especially well.
Step 4
Set up a homework center in your child's room, the kitchen or another space in your home. Choose a spot with few distractions. Stock pens, pencils, paper and other school supplies, as well as a dictionary and thesaurus. Supplies close at hand will keep homework time productive.
Step 5
Implement daily routines, including hygiene, tidying up and time for homework. Younger children may benefit from visual reminders to help them stay on task. Routines can make mornings, after-school time, bedtimes and other transitions go smoothly and reduce the risk of forgotten lunches or homework.
Step 6
Encourage your child to carry an assignment book or school planner. Some schools require these to help kids track assignments; however, if yours does not, purchase one for your child and explain how to use it to keep track of test dates, long term projects and short term assignments.
Step 7
Use a family calendar. Whether you opt for an online calendar or a traditional paper one, as soon as kids can read and write, they can learn to track activities and plan their time wisely. Include extracurricular activities, school activities and assignment due dates on the calendar.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose tools that fit your family's lifestyle. If you're technically savvy, online organizational tools may make sense for the whole family, but if everyone can't use them, opt for traditional print versions. Use pictures to integrate younger children into family schedules and routines.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bins in various sizes
- Age appropriate school supplies
- Family calendar
- Assignment notebook or school planner
