Teaching children to stay organized is a gift that keeps on giving (can I get some snaps?). It builds independence, a sense of responsibility, and confidence. Keeping in mind that every child is unique, each with their strengths, preferences, and challenges, creating systems that work for them is the key to success. This blog explores inclusive and practical strategies to help children of all abilities develop crucial habits.
Children are more likely to engage with an organization when their spaces are designed for them. Their size, interests, capabilities, and more need to be taken into account. Children need to feel comfortable in their dedicated space.
Opt for open or see-through bins and adjustable (low-enough) shelves. Rather than using wording in labels, opt for labels or stickers with pictures. Pictures are especially helpful for children who are visual learners or children with developmental delays.
Assign their favorite colors to toys, books, school supplies, drawers, etc., to make storing and finding easier. This system supports children with cognitive differences by simplifying categorization.
Dedicated spaces! You could use a curtain or a room divider to divide rooms into designated areas. Like, a reading corner, arts station, play zone, sensory-friendly, etc. If you have a little one, you could consider something like this divider to help create those spaces, even if on a smaller scale.
Organization can feel overwhelming for adults. Let alone children. When paired with play, it becomes not-so-scary and intense. Finding ways to make it fun or incorporate a game works 9/10 times! Right?
Using timers is an easy way to turn a quick toy clean-up into a fun race! This is where taking the steps of teaching them where things go, what pieces go together, a clean-up race can actually be super fun (bonus: and a great way to get a little exercise in if you're cleaning with them). You can try this timer if your kiddo prefers visual timers! You could even turn something like these chore sticks into a game!
A great way to introduce chores! Kids love feeling independent, especially after learning new skills. Picture charts or step-by-step guides can help children visualize and process what to expect and are especially helpful for neurodiverse children thriving with structure.
There are many helpful all-levels kids' books out there created to help your child learn about organization, responsibility, tidy habits, and decluttering in a fun way that matches where they are developmentally. Here are a few: A Place for Everything, Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff, The Berenstain Bears and The Messy Room.
As an adult, it's hard to keep my room tidy all the time, let alone my child (LOL). When they're learning these new skill sets, it's important to take it day by day and still give encouragement for the small wins. Maybe they've placed their shoe just outside the bin, but hey, it's not in the fridge so, WIN!
Starting with tasks like putting away shoes, picking up dirty clothes and putting them in the hamper, or putting back all their blocks in the bag is a great start! They're familiar with these items; they touch/play with them every day. Enforcing a routine in bursts, starting with the small tasks, will help through repetition.
Positive reinforcement does wonders for a child's self-esteem and progress. It encourages consistency. You know how your kiddo likes to be rewarded, but here are a few things we recommend trying: the Melissa & Doug Chart and a Magnetic Responsibility Reward Board.
Consistency. is. KEY.
Using phrases like “Toys go in this bin before bedtime” or “Books go on the shelf after reading,” while physically pointing to what you're talking about, is wonderful. Some kiddos may need a little bit of extra time and reinforcement, but truly, consistency is everything.
For example, if a shower after dinner is a part of the routine, add in a shower toy clean up afterward.
If a child finds certain textures, sounds, or clutter levels overwhelming, adopt the routine. For instance, noise-canceling headphones or dimly lit spaces can create a calming environment for tasks like tidying and organizing. Here are some LED dimmable bulbs you can swap.
Every child deserves systems custom to their unique strengths, challenges, and skill level.
For kids with sensory processing differences, using soft storage, muted colors, clear bins, or simplified steps/charts helps meet them where they are. The important thing is that your child feels seen through THEIR lens. Here's a great toy storage solution that accommodates the clear and softer-storage needs.
If a child has limited mobility, consider storage solutions that can be customized, or can sit vertically or horizontally, like this cubby shelf. You can try deeper drawers, and even redoing the closet as a horizontal storage space rather than vertical.
Multiple-step instructions can be overwhelming. Simplifying tasks into smaller, easily-achievable actions, such as “Pick up one toy and put it in this bin," encourages them to keep going, not to mention checking off tasks just gives that serotonin boost we want.
Occupational or behavioral therapists can provide additional personalized strategies for creating dedicated spaces and achievable routines. The same goes for online forums and groups. Lean on the community of parents who tried all these techniques! There's power in knowledge, support, and experience.
Acknowledging success is just as important as acknowledging effort and failures. Ask them questions like "How does your room feel?" "Would you like to move this somewhere else?" Encourage them to be a part of the conversation and decision-making, and they'll feel more ownership and proud of their progress!
Showing the impact of their effort by pointing out how much more functional or tidy the space is now because of them, and their effort helps associate their work with positive emotions! Nothing in the world can stop a motivated child.
Teaching children to be organized doesn’t happen overnight, but with thoughtful strategies and inclusive systems, you can help your child develop skills that serve them for life. Remember to be patient not only with your child but also with yourself. Finding the perfect systems don't happen easily, and they are certainly curated to your specific little one. What works for someone may not work for you.
Create functional, accessible spaces while fostering independence and a sense of pride and ownership in your child's environment. Stay flexible, celebrate progress, and enjoy the journey of learning and growing together.
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