Parents Aren’t the Only Ones Who Need to be Organized

January is the perfect time to get life in order, and the same idea applies to your children. Learning organizational skills will help your child develop a greater sense of independence and confidence. Organized children are more likely to complete homework more quickly, finish chores as expected, and have more time to play and relax. Need help getting your child organized? Here are some tips!

Organize your child’s room
For children organization starts in their room. Help your child create a system that is easy to follow. Designate a shelf or spot for books and school supplies. Separate projects, finished work, toys, and school/art supplies into labeled bins, folders or file cabinets. Encourage children to make their beds each morning, put dirty clothes in the hamper, and tidy up their room on a regular basis.

Use a family calendar
Post a large calendar in a common area that lists each family member’s activities and commitments. Include events at home or school, deadlines for major school projects, and extracurricular schedules. This will help avoid scheduling conflicts and your children will have an easier time keeping track of each other’s activities.

Give your child a daily planner
Daily planners can help children keep track of school deadlines and appointments. Go over the schedule together at the start of each week so everyone is aware of upcoming events or deadlines.

Create routines
Children who have a set time to study each day often do better at school. Discuss what time will work best for your child. Although most kids benefit from having some down time immediately after school, there should be a time set aside when studying takes place each day. If your child doesn’t have homework, he can use the time for reading or working on an upcoming project that is due. Establishing a regular dinnertime and bedtime can help children know what to expect next.

Use lists
Help your child get into the habit of making and keeping to-do lists. Lists are great for keeping track of school assignments, organizing a plan for major projects, and completing household chores. It takes practice for kids to learn how to break tasks into steps. Remember that while it is important to help our children, we shouldn’t do it all for them.

Prepare for the next day
Encourage children to pack their backpacks each night with finished homework and anything else they might need, such as athletic shoes or lunch money. On weekends, go through the backpack together and remove old papers and replenish supplies. Organize old tests and papers in a file at home. Set clothes out the night before to eliminate the hectic morning rush before leaving for school.

For More Information:

Help Your Child Get Organized

Ten Ways to Help Your Child Get Organized

Get your child organized for school