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Tidying Up With Tots:
Fun Ideas for Organizing When You Have Children
Organizing the house when you have children can be challenging if the whole family isn’t on board. But rather than giving it up as a lost cause because you have little ones, here are some tips and strategies to get you and them on the path to embracing habits that lead to better organization.
Embrace the Chaos (to a Degree)
First, let go of the idea that a home can be “perfectly organized.” Face it: We are imperfect people who live in an imperfect world, and the truth is that life and living take place in our spaces. So, perfection isn’t an option, but balance is.
Zone Creation
You can create a space for little ones to create and play, but it doesn’t have to look like the toy section of Target after a Black Friday sale, complete with a Lego mind field for unsuspecting adult feet in the middle of the night (OUCH!).
Transform your home into a series of zones, each with its own purpose: a play zone for play, a quiet zone for reading and study or other quiet activities, and a meal zone where the family eats.
You can even designate an area in your home as a “kid’s command center” where you can keep essential items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and homework supplies. Use hooks, bins, and shelves to keep everything organized and accessible.
This helps keep things organized and teaches your kids the importance of respecting each space’s purpose.
Make It Fun
We live in homes, not museums, but even museums have specialized sections so you can find the exhibits.
Use colorful signs or create a map of your home’s zones together.
Assign unique names to each zone based on your child’s interests (e.g., “Pirate Cove” for the toy area).
Treasure Hunts: The Game of Putting Things Away
Turn tidying up into a treasure hunt. Challenge your little ones to return items to their rightful places in record time. Use a timer or play some lively music to make it a dance party. Reward them with a story or a special activity together.
Bins: The Secret to Containing Chaos
Invest in colorful bins, baskets, or boxes that are easy for your children to handle. Choose color-coded bins or baskets for different types of toys or belongings. Assign each child a color and encourage them to put their toys away in the corresponding bins. Not only does this make cleanup easier, but it also helps teach children about sorting and categorizing.
Rotate Toys Regularly
Too many toys can quickly lead to clutter. To prevent this, consider implementing a toy rotation system. Store some toys away and rotate them out every few weeks to keep things fresh and exciting for your kids while minimizing clutter.
Ownership and Pride
Involve your kids in the decision-making process. Let them choose some of the storage solutions or decide on the zones. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their space, encouraging them to keep it tidy.
Create visual checklists or charts that outline daily tasks and responsibilities. Use stickers or markers to check off completed tasks, making it both a learning tool and a game. Remember, your goal is to help your children build lasting habits that make being tidy and organized a part of who they are, so don’t forget to celebrate their wind with a small reward or a family activity they choose.
The Daily Clean-Up Game
Introduce a “mystery box” for items left out of place. At the end of the day, anything found outside its zone goes into the box. To reclaim their treasures, kids must complete a small task or chore. It’s a playful way to teach responsibility.
Be Flexible
Be prepared to adapt. What works for one child may not work for another, and what works one month may need adjustment the next. Regular family meetings can help discuss what’s working and what’s not, allowing everyone to contribute ideas.
Remember, organizing with children is not just about keeping a tidy home; it’s about teaching valuable life skills through fun and engagement. By implementing these strategies, you’re decluttering your space and nurturing a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and creativity in your children.
Your GO DO! Action Task:
Create Your First “Adventure Zone” Together
Choose the Zone:Select a small area of your home that you want to organize first, such as the play area or the children’s bookshelf. This will be your pilot “Adventure Zone.” Involve Your Kids:
Sit down with your children and explain the concept of the “Adventure Zone.” Let them know this is a special area where every toy or book has its own “home.” Decide on a Theme:
Choose a fun theme for the zone with your kids. Whether it’s pirates, space, fairy tales, or dinosaurs, picking a theme will make the organizing process feel like a game. Gather Supplies:
Collect bins, boxes, or baskets and decorate them with materials like stickers, markers, or paint. Ensure the containers are child-friendly, allowing your kids easy access to both takeout and put away their belongings. Decorate and Label:
Spend an afternoon decorating the containers according to your chosen theme. Use pictures and words to label the containers, making it easy for your kids to remember where everything goes. Organize Together:
Now, organize the items into their new homes together. Guide your children, showing them how each item has its place in the “Adventure Zone.” Celebrate:
After setting up your first zone, celebrate with a small treat or activity. This not only marks the completion of your project but also reinforces the positive experience of organizing together.
Follow-Up:
Observe and Adjust: Spend the next week observing how well the “Adventure Zone” works. Make any necessary adjustments and encourage your kids to keep using the system.
Plan the Next Zone: Once you’re comfortable, plan your next “Adventure Zone” project with your children, expanding the organized areas in your home.
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