Keeping the home organized and free of clutter, it takes the whole family to do this. I feel it is very important to involve your children and hold them accountable for certain aspects of the home. This teaches them many things about taking care of their space, their toys, and to have a sense of ownership.
Our oldest daughter, Savannah who just turned 7, is already out doing me in organization. She could clean and organize her drawers everyday. This is just her nature, but she has also watched me and my husband organize and clean out clutter. So, she has seen this modeled in our home. She really takes care of her stuff and when her younger brothers come in her room and touch her things, it really bothers her. Obviously, there is a balance there as well, because we don’t want the spirit of perfectionism to be upon her as she gets older.
Believe it or not, children love to help and to feel like they are contributing to something in your family. There is joy on my children’s faces when they help put the clothes in the dryer with me, when they pour the cake mix into the bowl, or just simply bringing their dishes to the sink after dinner. We encourage individuality in our home and they all do things so very different, but having them take responsiblity for the toys scattered out on the floor is so important. Each child “cleans” differently and that is what is so amazing to see.
We have created a chore list for each child. Of course, they differ a little because the age of our children. We have assigned a monetary value beside each one. For example, putting shoes up everyday is $.01. Cleaning the bathroom, which is Savannah’s chore, will get $.50. This encourages them to earn their money and to have a sense of responsibility so when they go to Wal-Mart they can then buy something small for themselves.
Having your family involved in the home and organization is extremely important. Make it fun! What a great way to build stronger family ties and relationships.
Celebrate the family while organizing and cleaning!
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