2 Habits That Teach Kids to Be Better Organized

Have you heard the complaints from kids saying they didn't learn any real life skills in high school? Over the years there's been some debate about school curriculums and family responsibilities when it comes to the education of our children, and with the recent closure of schools from the Coronavirus, many parents are stepping up to facilitate their children's learning at home.

With the cancelation of some school programs like home ec, automotive, and woodworking classes, this has become the perfect time for parents to fill in the gap by teaching these skills at home. Take the anxiety out of homeschooling by offering to teach your children how to read a recipe and cook a meal. Get creative and use real world events to inform your kids about life. Mend some socks and sew on a button, do some spring cleaning, or work in the yard.

Teaching our children to prioritize and be organized can help with the other life skills they'll be learning.

Two habits to teach children to be better organized are:

Habit #1: Setting aside time to plan their day

Habit #2: Taking action ASAP

Teaching kids to set aside time to plan their day motivates them to use their critical thinking skills, make a plan, and solve problems that could potentially cause chaos.

Likewise, taking action ASAP reduces the chances of forgetfulness, losing important information, and missing opportunities. Taking action helps solve problems and helps kids be better prepared and organized for their day. The two concepts are intertwined and complement one another.

Here’s how:

Habit #1: Setting aside time to plan their day. At the end of the day, encourage your child to have a personal planning meeting. Have them go over their day and recall any important issues that need to be addressed. Things like:

• Important homework assignments
• Permission slips or notifications
• Invitations to social activities
• Sports or club responsibilities
• Chores or household commitments

Have them make a list or meet with you verbally to discuss any actions that need to happen or problems that need to be solved. Teaching our kids to think through what happened during the day and what is expected for the next day can help them be ready and on time with important duties or tasks. Teaching kids the habit of thinking things through gets them ready for more mature responsibilities as they grow.

 Habit #2: Taking action ASAP. We are all guilty of having a task flash through our minds, believing we will remember to take care of it, only to let the plan slip when we are taken off task. Teaching your kids the benefit of taking action ASAP helps them knock things off their to-do list and be more efficient with their time. Some ideas to help kids take action ASAP are:

• Encourage kids to scan the family living areas for personal belongings before they head to their rooms.
• Teach children to pre-pack their backpacks and set them beside the door before bed.
• When your child mentions something they need to do, encourage them to do it now instead of later.
• Before your child has screen time or leisure time, ask them if there is anything they could take care of first before they relax.

Teaching your children the benefits of sorting through their day and taking action are fine habits that will serve them throughout their lives. Teaching them to be self-monitoring and invested in their day is a wonderful investment in their future.

Establishing routines provides the organizational skills to move forward toward achieving the goals that will enrich their lives...so don't delay...teach your children the essential skills to living an Intentional Life.

Until next time...

Lisa

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