At the beginning of the school year, every student is super organised. From waking up on time to arranging books according to the timetable, they need minimal prompt from you to do their work. But as days pass, disorganization and chaos creep in little by little and soon you find yourself racing against the clock. A few children seem naturally organised, but for others, it is a skill to be acquired over time. They need help to be organised in order to carry out tasks effectively, manage time better and take care of their possessions. Here are some ways to make your child more organized.
1. Make check-lists and to-do lists
Instead of adding one task as one item, break it down into smaller chores. Each task thus becomes more manageable and less overwhelming, with a beginning, middle, and an end. Encourage your child to keep the list in an easily visible place and to check off accomplishments as they are done. Make sure to acknowledge their efforts and lend a hand when needed.
2. Assign chores that involve sorting
Involve your child while you are doing grocery shopping, sorting the vegetables, cleaning out a wardrobe and other chores that require pre-planning, making lists or arranging things. Hands-on experience while having fun is the best way to inculcate the habit of organisation in your child.
3. Cultivate an interest in collecting
If your child has an interest in collecting something, whether stamps, buttons or rocks, encourage him or her to create and organise the collection. For instance, philately may not be the flashiest of hobbies, but it surely develops children’s patience and persistence. Sorting, classifying and arranging items supplement the organisational skills while growing up.
4. Finish what you start
It is always easy to start something new, but difficult to follow through and bring them to completion. Children tend to jump from one task to another without seeing anything to the end. Completing tasks should become like a habit for them. Parents should also evaluate themselves and see if they have the same problem.
5. Use a positive, encouraging voice
It is natural to feel frustrated to find your house in a state of mess. But try your best to keep your annoyance out of your voice and use positive ways to make your child listen to you. Most often, nagging will not help in getting your message across. Instead of yelling a prompt from one room to another, move closer to your child to give him or her a gentle reminder. Read about 5 things not to say to your child.
Think Ahead!
“A Goal without a plan is just a wish.” Spend time with your child every day before bedtime reviewing the next day’s tasks. Having clarity in thought helps them to feel secure. Introduce organizational habits as early as possible. It may take some effort in the beginning but it’s worth it in the long run. Come up with various ways to make your child more organized. Reward and support them every time they complete any complex task so that it becomes second nature to them.