Getting your children involved in organizing at an early age is so important. Not only does it teach them important life skills such as responsibility and respect for their belongings. It also contributes to the household. This means less time picking up toys and more quality time spent with your children.
Here are 6 ways that kids can help organize.
1. Fold their own laundry - Kids ages 3-5+ can put their dirty clothes in the laundry hamper. They can also start to learn how to fold small objects such as hand towels and socks. Ages 5-7+ can fold their own clothes and place them in the correct drawer. Ages 8+ can learn how to use the washing machine and dryer. By this age they can complete the entire laundry process with little to no assistance.
2. Have a routine when you come home - Establishing a routine when kids come home from school is crucial. This sets children up for success the next morning. Start this as
soon as your child goes to school, even if that is preschool. Set up a routine that works for your family. For example: When kids come home they should:
put their coat on the hook
empty their backpack
line up their shoes
wash their hands
have a snack
start their homework
3. Donate toys and games that are no longer used – Go through your child’s toys/games with them every few months. Let them tell you which items they no longer play with. Discuss that the toys will be going to less fortunate children that do not have toys. Explain how giving makes you feel good, those children will get the same joy with the toys that your child did. Important: Go through toys before birthdays and Christmas. Have a 1 toy in 1 toy out rule. You don’t want to have an overwhelming amount of toys.
4. Clothing Sizes - Have 2 bins in your child’s closet that they can access. Label them too big and too small. When your child comes across an item that is too big/small they can place it in the corresponding bin. Items that are too small can be saved for a younger sibling or donated. Items that are too big can be placed in a bin for future use.
5. Snack Station - Allow your kids to be independent by choosing their own healthy snacks from the snack station. Learn how to make one in Mello Spaces’s blog post How To Create A Snack Station. A snack station is simple to set up and you only prep the snack cupboard once a week. This system works great for any age of child. It is especially convenient for parents of school aged children.
6. Toy Clean Up- Organization systems in your home should be easy for any aged child to use. Make sure your child can reach bins and include images and words to make
cleaning up easy. Have a rule that they can only play with 1-2 toys at a time. This makes cleanup fast and not overwhelming. Tip: Have open ended toys that can be played with in a variety of ways.
These tips will allow your child to become more independent. It will also take items off of your plate. Causing you to be less stressed and allowing more quality family time.