Organizing For Calm

Being organized isn’t only about keeping track of our things. It’s also about how we plan and complete tasks, manage our thoughts and time, and picture the future. When we notice that our children struggle to do this effectively, it can be useful to view the overall ability of organizing as a collection of smaller skills.

Here are some strategies that can help:

Break tasks into chunks –

• Clearing the table after dinner: take plate to sink, rinse, put in dishwasher on bottom rack

• Writing a personal essay: include details about home and family in first paragraph, details about major life events in second paragraph, details about future goals in third paragraph

Create designated spaces – Whether it’s hampers in each bedroom for dirty laundry, toy bins on the shelves, or a small basket on the bathroom counter for toothpaste and floss, simple systems can help to give clear structure to the spaces within our homes.

Establish a (mostly) predictable daily rhythm – Routines help our kids know what to expect and when to expect it. This daily rhythm should include specific times for restorative rest, for completing chores and homework, and for being together as a family.

Model forethought— Gather weekly for family meetings to review broad plans for the upcoming week. More specific plans for the upcoming day can be reviewed each evening during dinner or at bedtime.

Keep it tidy – Every season, we can schedule a time on the calendar with our children to select old clothes and toys to donate and broken items to discard. Although it may be tempting to complete these jobs when our children are out of the house, as we thoughtfully and intentionally tidy together it’s an ideal opportunity to teach the skills of planning, prioritizing, and decision-making.

Remember, building fluency with these skills will take time and progress will come with practice! Minds tend to rest more calmly in organized spaces, so this is a practice worth pursuing.