WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET ORGANISED

A child has the ability to learn anything and everything. Just like how they learn ABCs and 123s from their parents, your child can also learn organisational skills. Being organised can help your child in their learning and thinking journeys. It might take some effort in the beginning, but it’s well worth it in the long run. It is a skill that can be developed over time, with assistance and practice!

Here are three suggestions to help your child get organised.

1. Set a routine and be consistent

Parents should develop and enforce a regular schedule that teaches their child what is expected of them throughout the day. You can make them write down important tasks they wish to accomplish, including homework and chores. Use your creativity and make it interesting. Eventually, when they get into a routine of doing it on their own, you can then take a step back and monitor. Additionally, teach them to break larger tasks into smaller and more manageable steps. This will show them that each task has a beginning, middle and an end, making them feel less overwhelming and more accomplishable. Parents need to be consistent in encouraging their child to develop this routine – even if it takes years for the child to learn to complete a given task on their own.

2. Create a place for everything

Set aside designated spaces at home where each child can focus on their work without being interrupted. Keep school supplies and learning devices like calculators and computers nearby. Remember to also get your child to keep toys within designated spaces, as this introduces them to the concept of spatial awareness. As they get older, they should participate in house chores such as tidying up, to reinforce in their minds that things need to be organised properly. Each child should be taught to put away folded laundry, do the dishes and clean up after themselves. Your school-aged child should have regular backpack checks to make sure they understand spatial order. These strategies will help them become more responsible towards managing their things.

3. Support your child in planning ahead

Estimating and planning require a skill called forward-thinking. An organised mind can hold onto multiple pieces of information simultaneously.  Allow your child to practice planning skills by empowering them to choose what clothes to wear and guide them in packing their own vacation bag. Assign more complex responsibilities to an older child, such as planning a weekly meal or a family vacation activity. You can also sit down together before bedtime to go over your day’s plans. This can help your child feel more assured and you can better plan how to handle things together, if there is a schedule change.

Teaching your child organisational skills from young is quintessential as it will help them understand time, order, location, planning and problem-solving. Consistent parenting strategies is vital to help them develop routines, allowing them to create their own organised world at home and eventually grow up as empowered adults.

Sources:

https://www.parents.com/parenting/moms/helping-children-get-organized/

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-get-your-child-organized

http://teentherapycentersv.org/2017/11/18/the-art-of-raising-organized-children/