How to Organize Toys: Teaching Kids to Keep Their Toys Organized
Hey there, fellow moms! We get it – life can be overwhelming, and it often feels like we have to do it all. But guess what? We don’t have to do it all. One way to make life easier is to teach our kids to do some of the things we usually handle, like keeping their toys organized.
Lead by Example
The quickest way to get your kids to learn how to organize their toys is to show them how it’s done. When it’s time to tidy up, get in there with them and demonstrate what needs to be done. Kids are more likely to follow our actions than our words, so your involvement is key.
As you clean up together, have a chat about organization. Explain why it’s important to have organized toys. Let them know that when their toys are in order, they can easily find what they want. This makes playtime more fun and cleanup a breeze.
Now, take a look at the tidy space you’ve created. Talk about how they can walk through the room without stepping on Legos. Explain that now there’s plenty of room to play on the floor.
Create Visual Systems
When thinking about how to physically organize toys, keep it simple. You want your kids to see where each toy belongs and be able to put them away correctly.
I recommend clear bins or open bins with labels. This way, kids can see what’s inside, and if they’re old enough to read, they can learn from the labels. For pre-readers, picture labels work like magic. I’m a big fan of using bins on open shelves; it’s a system that’s easy for kids to follow and maintain.
Remember, simplicity is the key. If the system is too complicated, your kids might not stick to it, and frustration could follow.
Tailoring Organization by Age Group
When it comes to organizing and tidying up, you’ll need to adjust your approach based on your kids’ age and abilities.
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: Younger children can help with tidying up by picking up items off the floor and putting them in a bin. Even if their attention spans are short, explain that you’re making space for fun playtime.
- Elementary School-age Kids: These kids can be involved in the decluttering process. They can make decisions about which toys they want to keep and which ones can be put away. It’s a great time for a pre-holiday or pre-birthday declutter to make room for new toys.
- Tweens and Teenagers: Older children can take charge of organizing their rooms. Let them decide how to organize their belongings, like art supplies or collections. This empowers them and gives them a sense of independence.
Adapting Methods as Your Children Grow and Develop
Remember, your strategies will evolve as your kids grow. Children are constantly changing, and you’ll learn their personalities and what works best for them. For example, my four-year-old loves organizing, so I give him more freedom to create his systems.
Set Clear Expectations
Just like a clear visual system, make sure your expectations are crystal clear. In our home, the rule is that the floor needs to be clear when we finish cleaning up. My kids know this expectation, and sometimes they put items on the counter if they’re not sure where they go.
I also understand that this is my expectation. If many items end up on the counter, it’s my cue to find a dedicated place for them. The key is that my kids followed the expectation, even if the counter is a bit cluttered.
Consistency and Patience
Teaching kids anything requires consistency and patience. Not every day will go perfectly. Some days, my kids resist cleanup, especially when they’re tired. But the expectation remains: we clean up. On those days, I might have to lend more of a helping hand.
Don’t give up; this is a skill they’ll need as they grow. We’re teaching them habits that will serve them well in the future. Even when faced with pushback from a tired four-year-old, I remind myself that future me will appreciate holding the line.
Find What Works for Your Family
Every family is unique, so figure out what strategies work best for your kids and your household. For us, a little TV time after cleanup serves as a great motivator!
Remember, organization is a lifelong skill. It’ll help your kids with time management, being responsible roommates, staying organized in their future jobs, and even keeping their own homes tidy. Plus, it gives them a sense of independence.
So, think about how you can teach your kids the skill of organization through their toys. Whether you have toddlers who are just starting to learn or teenagers craving independence, you can start today!
If you’re looking for a great place to begin, consider decluttering. Check out our decluttering guide for tips to teach your kids this valuable skill!
