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Teach Kids to Develop

Organizing Skills from a

Young Age

by Maria Gracia Updated October 1, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. When we teach kids to organize their belongings from a young age, it’s not so challenging…as they get older…for them to do so themselves. This is like anything else that we teach our kids: 1. We do for them 2. We do with them 3. Then they do for themselves Here’s an example of this 3-step recipe in action. 1. First, show good examples of how your organize your things. Talk out loud while doing so. For instance, “I put my socks in this drawer and underwear in this drawer.” 2. Then, do it with them. Say, “Let’s put all your shorts in this drawer and pants in this drawer.” 3. Finally, they do for themselves. Tell them to to put away their clothes on their own. Say, “OK, you’re ready now. Please put away your clothes.” Watch them, encourage them, and motivate them…until they’re doing so without your supervision. To ensure this 3-step recipe is successful: • Set them up for success: Be sure there is a good system in place before you start teaching them. For instance, give them a landing zone when they come in the house so they have dedicated spots for backpacks, coats, shoes, etc. Or, if you want to be sure dirty clothes don’t end up on the floor, be sure laundry baskets are in their rooms. • Put “consistent” procedures in place so they know what to expect: Just like adults need established, consistent, good routines, so do kids. For example, have an established morning routine that works for your family. Then they’ll know what to do when they get out of bed and are not waiting for you to tell them what’s next. Another example would be to teach kids to put back whatever toy they’re playing with, before they get another. • Allow them to make decisions: There is no “one-way” method of organizing. So, certainly make suggestions and recommendations, but be open to your child’s own thoughts. For instance, if your daughter wants her shirts sorted in her closet by color, but you feel it should be by sleeve length, you might say, “I normally organize by sleeve length in my own clothes closet. However, if it works better for you to find your shirts by color, that’s great! Try it out and decide!”  • Congratulate them: Positive reinforcement is an absolute must. Praise organized actions. For instance, you might say, “I have to tell you, Ben, you’re doing an amazing job keeping your closet organized. I’m so proud of you.” Teaching kids to develop organized skills from a young age will help ensure they’re organized as adults later on when they have their own families. It’s one of the most important life skills you can pass on to your children or grandchildren. Back to Organized Kids Index