Let's Get Organized!

Are you disorganized?  What about your children?  You have probably heard that a clean desk is the work of a sick mind.  While we know there are extremes to everything, there does need to be a certain level of organization present within all of us.  My desk is often piled with papers, articles, letters, etc.  Amazingly, I do know where everything is...it just takes a minute to put my hand on it.  I have listed below some helpful hints in getting children organized.  Remember however, as parents, we can be a role model in making this work!

(1) Talk with your child’s teacher.  Teachers work hard to develop their student’s organizational skills and their responsibility.  Ask your teacher how you can reinforce what is being learned in the classroom.  (2) Getting things ready in the evening will help out the morning rush.  Sign notes, check homework and get clothes ready before the alarm sounds in the AM.  (3) Check your child’s backpack every afternoon.  I know, there are probably some things in there you would rather not touch or see...but there may be important information waiting for you to read.  (4) Monitor homework progress.  If your child is becoming overwhelmed with homework, let the teacher know immediately.  Try breaking homework up into smaller portions and complete each step methodically.  (5) Create a calendar for your child.  If you have an evening family activity, your child should plan ahead to complete homework before you leave.  Deadlines are easier to enforce when it is placed on you child’s calendar.  (6) List making.  Once your child can read and write, encourage them in making a “must do” and “to do” list.  (this helped our daughter to remember to “scoop” after taking our dog Alfie out)  (7) A place for everything.  Your child can be responsible for putting away things they may have gotten out during the day.  (8) Pack rats have no place in an organized environment.  Set aside one day per month to go through things and toss what is not needed.  What about my Zambian coke bottle tops?  Collections are fine as long as you have a place for everything.  (9) Set up rewards.  Children love to be rewarded for their labors and being organized is hard work!

Like most things, being organized takes practice and diligence.  Take the time to discuss what it means to be organized and hopefully your family life will improve!  Now, if I can only find that remote...