Back to Organized Kids Index Organized Kids

7 Ways to Help Your Kids

Get Organized This

Summer

by Maria Gracia Updated October 1, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Many children are spending a significant amount of time glued to electronic devices at home. However, this presents a perfect opportunity to engage them in the organizing game. By teaching them organizational skills now, you are setting them up for a more organized future. Here are seven tips to help you get your kids organized: 1. Schedule an organizing date: Set a specific time, like 10:15 a.m. every day, and gather your kids in a central location. Assign each child a specific area, such as a closet shelf, a dresser drawer, or the toy room floor. For 10 minutes, have them "pick up and put away" items in their designated space. Use a timer to let them know there's an end in sight for this project. 2. Offer rewards: Everyone loves prizes, regardless of age. Give your kids an organizing project to complete, like cleaning out two drawers of their dresser. Once they finish, reward them with a prize. You can create a prize box with inexpensive goodies from which they can choose, let them pick the family movie for the night, or provide them with a small amount of money for their piggy bank. 3. Encourage generosity: Teach your children the value of giving. Ask each child to fill a donation bag with clothing and other items they no longer use. Together, take a trip to the donation center to drop off the bags. To celebrate their kind hearts, plan a fun activity afterward, such as feeding ducks in the park or going for a hike. 4. Create a daily routine: Establishing a structured routine helps instill organizational habits in children. Set specific times for activities like reading time, chores, and play. Encourage your kids to keep their belongings organized within the designated spaces, reinforcing the idea of tidiness and responsibility. 5. Use labels and containers: Labeling bins, shelves, and drawers can make organizing more enjoyable for kids. Help them create colorful and creative labels for their belongings. Additionally, provide clear containers for toys, art supplies, or other items, making it easier for them to put things away in the right place. If they’re too young to read, label with photos. 6. Involve them in meal planning: Engaging children in meal planning not only promotes healthy eating habits but also teaches them about organization. Let them help choose meals for the week, create grocery lists, and assist in meal preparation. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and organization in their daily lives. 7. Set up a reading area: Dedicate a cozy and inviting space in your home specifically for reading. Set up a comfortable chair or bean bag, along with a bookshelf or basket filled with age-appropriate books. Encourage your kids to spend time in this reading area, exploring different genres and expanding their imagination. Teach them to keep the area organized by placing books back on the shelf or in the designated basket after each reading session. This not only cultivates a love for reading but also instills the habit of maintaining an organized space for their books. By implementing these seven tips, you can nurture organizational skills in your children, which will benefit them throughout their lives. Remember, the earlier they learn these habits, the more organized they will be in the future. Back to Organized Kids Index