Decluttering the Kids

Chag Sameach!

Passover is a great holiday for the whole family, especially the kids. Whether making matza pizza or searching for the Afikomen, children are at the heart of the festivities. And with all of their enthusiasm and creative energy, clutter often follows. Do yourself – and your child – a favor, and teach them how to get organized when they’re still young and impressionable. Your family, your home, and ultimately your child, will thank you.

This month, here are some tips to organize your kids.

1. Show (then tell). Children learn best by example, so the best way to teach your children how to get organized, is to be organized yourself. By honoring the space in your home, it increases the likelihood that your kids will do the same.

1. Make It Fun. Everyone – kids and adults alike – are more inclined to do things when they’re fun. Instead of incessantly asking your kids to put their toys away, make their beds, clean up their rooms (you get the drift…), introduce organizing as a game or exciting activity. Turn on their favorite music and have an organizing dance party, or make it a competition – and the first person to clean up their side of the room, gets to stay up ten minutes past their bedtime.

1. Explain the Benefits. Share the advantages of being organized with your kids. First, identify their current goals – what is it that your child really wants? Does your daughter want to be on the varsity soccer team? Does your son want to get an A in math? Explain to them how being organized will help them achieve these goals. Once they realize that there’s a direct correlation between being organized and achieving their goals, they will naturally want to be organized on their own since they’ll be driven by their own motives.                            

1. Let the Kids Decide. If your child helps design his or her space, there is a higher chance that he or she will want to keep it organized. Make a trip to the Container Store or any office supply chain, and let the kids pick out the containers they love. If your son refuses to return his books to the bookshelf, ask him if wants to paint it his favorite color. Once you get your children involved in creating the space, they’ll begin to honor it more since it will feel more like their own.

1. Make It a Habit. Create a regular organizing routine for your children. Select a specific time or day for chores or clean-up, and your kids will naturally fall into the routine. Children often appreciate structure and consistency, and will find comfort in a weekly organizing schedule.

Bonus tip: If your child’s room is really cluttered, and you – and your child – feel too overwhelmed to even begin the process, divide it into smaller, more manageable steps. Maybe just organize the sock drawer today, and then work on the nightstand tomorrow. If you’re still finding it too difficult, enlist in a friend or a professional organizer to help pave the way.

Happy Organizing!

Jordana

Founder, live ORGANIZED

Jordana Jaffe is a professional organizer based in Manhattan. She loves helping moms organize their homes, offices, and schedules so that they can lead more fulfilling and functional lives.

To contact Jordana, or to schedule an initial consultation with her, please write her at jordana@liveorganized.com. For more information, visit www.liveorganized.com.

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