Organization is one of the most difficult concepts for many children to master because of all the pieces and parts that make up their lives. From schoolwork to toys, games and electronics, life can become a jumbled-up mess if they don't organize their belongings. Clutter can be frustrating for children when they can't find their clothes, misplace their homework or have to clear a spot off their beds for sleeping.
School Work
Help your child develop a system for organizing school work at an early age to help develop good habits. Provide a backpack or satchel with compartments for supplies, homework, papers and anything else the child needs for school. Have a designated place for the child to put his backpack when he comes home from school, and encourage him to keep everything together. Keep a family calendar, and give each child a different color marker to keep track of activities.
Bedroom
Provide a combination of labeled shelves, bins and drawers for storage. According to the Family Fun website, you can make a shelf with rods, clothespins and hooks that the child can decorate to match her room. For a small child, put a picture of her favorite toy on the outside of the toy bin or drawer so she knows where to put her toys. Lower the clothing racks in her closet and provide child-size hangers so she can put her own clothes away, according to the Organized Home website. At the end of the day, make a game of putting everything away, then finish with a story or a quiet activity before going to bed. If the child's room is small or if she shares a room with a sibling, have another place to store out-of-season clothing and toys.
Bathroom
To prevent bathroom clutter, give each child his own container to store under the sink, on a shelf or stacked in the corner of the bathroom. Provide each child with a rack or hook for his own towels, which should be color-coded or monogrammed so he knows which are his.
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment can get out of control very quickly. If you have a garage, mark off space for bikes, skates, balls, bats and other items. If you don't have a garage, choose a spot where you can put a large chest for balls and smaller items. Hang a shelf above it for jackets, hats and other items.
