Guest post by Nicole
When you have children, you are constantly trying to teach them how to take care of their belongings. The reason why people usually do this is not only to teach them the meaning of the word ‘responsibility’ but also to prevent themselves from becoming their children’s maids. You only need to take notice of the following five rules in order to help your kids maintain their rooms always organized.
Closet Rod
If there is a closet in your kid’s room, there is also a huge possibility there is a closet rod. However, as much as this tool is a useful one, it’s sometimes impossible for children to reach. So, in order to make it possible for them to do so, there are two options: either lower the already installed rod, or put a second one, on which the little ones can easily hang their clothes. If you end up with two closet rods, you can still make good use of the higher one – it can be used for out-of-season clothes. Remember, allowing the children to reach the rod will allow them to organize their clothes on their own.
Small Toy Bins
Most children rooms are ‘equipped’ with one giant toy bin. You might think it is more convenient this way, as all toys go in the same place. However, what does your kid do when one particular toy is needed? The entire bin is dumped out which will require more cleanup. Give smaller bins a try and you will be convinced that they are way more convenient. This way, your children will organize their toys in whichever way they deem most effective. Not only will this allow the kids to play with the exact toy(s) they wish, but it will also make the cleanup easier.
Laundry Hampers
If your child’s room is cluttered with dirty laundry, maybe the problem is the hamper. Getting one will surely reduce the chaos in the room. If you decide to put a hamper in your kid’s room, make sure it is easy to operate. What older children can benefit from are divided hampers in which they can easily sort the dirty laundry by its color and/or material. However, smaller kids might need something to incite them to use a hamper. That’s when you have to be creative. An unusual but smart idea is to put a basketball goal right above the hamper so that the child could play around by slam dunking the dirty clothes in the hamper. There are even companies that offer hampers in the form of a gaping animal which the kids can ‘feed’ their dirty laundry with.
Workable Bedding
Beds are a real pain in the neck to make. They are for grown-ups, let alone for small children. Especially if the bedding has tons of components in the form of pillows, duvets, covers, sheets, etc. In order to make it all easier for the little ones, simplify the bedding. For example, you can get rid of the top sheet because most of the times, instead of being used, it gets pushed into the end of the bed. You can actually eliminate everything that the child does not need/use.
Hooks
Installing hooks on the backs of the room door and closet doors is also a good way to help your child keep the room organized. Of course, you will need to put the hooks as low as needed so that they are easily reached. Choose plastic hooks instead of metal ones with sharp edges and ends.
Finally, the most important thing to bear in mind is that whatever changes you might be making, they are all meant to aid your child. So, if he/she is old enough, ask him/her what he/she would find easier. If the child is too young, try to look though his/her eyes, in a way. And remember, it is their room, not yours, so try not to be too imperative.
Nicole is a mother sharing secrets of home organizing and family life with you. You can read more house tips and trick at http://www.manandvan.org/north-london.html
