It’s never to early to start teaching children the basic principles of organizing. As soon as they can grasp the concepts of what it means to throw something away and give something away you can get them started on their journey to an organized life.
Start by teaching your children where things go when you are giving them away. Explain that there are certain organizations that distribute items to people in need or simply explain why you are giving something to someone. For example… “Aunt Suzy just had a baby and since you are a big girl now maybe we can give some of your baby toys to your new cousin.” Let your children know the reasoning behind the process.
When you are decluttering your child’s room with them always use the 3 box system (Donate, Trash, Keep) for all those toys without a home. Have them make some of the decisions on what they would like to get rid of.
Lastly, never threaten to throw toys away if they don’t get cleaned up. If you threaten to trash everything your children will have ill feelings toward the organizing process and feel as it is more of a punishment rather than a process.
Do you get your children involved in the organizing process?
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my mom was all about the ‘threat.’ you knew you were in trouble when she threatened to bring out ‘the green garbage bag!’
i managed to still develop a love for organizing…my sister, not so much (and I’ve been known to sneak into her room at home just to straighten a few things up!)
my 2 year old is just starting to get into it…the key for me is trying to remember to get him to help rather than just doing it all after he goes to bed.