By Mary Sigmann, CPO®
1. Have a planning session each evening with your child to go over the next day's activities and schedule. Preplanning and preparation are the foundations of success.
2. Establish systems and timelines to prevent tardiness, forgotten supplies, and lost homework assignments. Organized kids feel more in control and competent.
3. Help your child understand the benefits and consequences of their actions. What are the benefits of turning your homework in on time? What can happen if you leave a pair of shoes in the middle of the floor?
4. Keep a family calendar posted. Keep everyone informed of the activities which involve them.
5. Assign age-appropriate responsibilities to help the household stay organized. From feeding the pet to taking out the trash, kids can be a great asset to keeping the home running smoothly.
6. Set a timer if kids have trouble staying on task. Let kids know they can stop or switch tasks when the timer goes off.
7. Establish accountability and reward systems for keeping bedrooms neat and orderly, completing homework assignments and following through on promises. Be sure to establish specific instructions and guidelines for your child’s responsibilities. If they are clear about what you want and expect, they are more likely to succeed.
8. Create rituals or habits you can share that nurture you and your family. Go for an after-dinner walk, read together or discuss goals. Discover activities that bring the family closer and make everyone healthier and happier.
9. Reduce the clutter by keeping only what is currently being worn or used in your child’s room. Box up the rest and rotate seasonally.
10. Model the behavior and expectations you place upon your child. Be sure you set the example for simplicity and organization.
© Copyright Mary Sigmann, CPO®
Mary Sigmann is a Certified Professional Organizer®, coach and speaker. Please visit www.organizer-coach.com for additional information, articles and tips, or contact Mary at harmonypro@aol.com. **Mary spoke at our MOPS last year.
