When back-to-school time rolls around, many parents simply load up the kids and head to the local mall for clothing and school supplies without first taking inventory of what the child already has. It is better to check closets and drawers first, then hit the back-to-school sales. Sorting through and removing clothing that is too small or outdated makes room for new items and it will be easier to determine exactly what new clothing is actually needed.
Determine What to Keep
Enlisting the help of the child is the easiest way to determine what clothes are still useful and what has to go. Start by having the child try on clothes to see if they still fit and are worth keeping.
- Sort clothing into several piles for what is being kept, to be thrown away and what will be handed down or donated to charity.
- Make a separate pile for clothing that is still wearable but needs a minor repair to a zipper or hem.
- Have several clearly marked bags or boxes on hand to pack up the sorted clothing.
- Don`t let the child get sentimental about things. If a favorite sweater or pair of jeans was already starting to get a little too small last year, it is certainly not going to fit this year.
- Drop off the bags or boxes of unwanted clothing to their destination as soon as possible so that little hands are not tempted to start digging through and taking things back out.
Organizing the Closet
After the bags or boxes of unwanted clothing have been delivered to their destination, it is time to remove everything else from the closet so that it is completely empty and can be cleaned and properly organized. It is also a good idea to have the children help determine exactly how the closet is organized. This way they will be more will be more inclined to keep it neat and tidy.
- If the closet only has a single hanging rod, it is advisable to install a second rod that is lower and easier for younger children to reach.
- Encourage children to hang up bath robes, jackets and backpacks by installing hooks at easy to reach levels.
- Buy several brightly colored hangers that are designed for hanging smaller clothing. Smaller hangers are easier for the little hands to use.
- Invest in some inexpensive plastic bins to hold seasonal clothing. These can be kept out of reach on a higher shelf.
- Keep a laundry hamper in each closet.
- Keep a small plastic step stool in the closet so items that are higher up can be reached without assistance.
Create a Study Area
Creating an area where children can study is not hard and does not require a lot of space. The kitchen table or counter are great for those who are not easily distracted, but some children need a more secluded spot in order to concentrate. Almost anywhere will do as long as there is adequate lighting, seating and a flat surface to write and lay books on.
- An unused alcove in a living room, dining room or kitchen fitted with a small desk, chair and lamp.
- If the family room is in the basement, the space under the stairs can be converted to a nice study area.
- An unused closet or pantry cupboard with the door removed, a small desk and chair, desk light, shelving for books and some brightly colored storage bins makes a great work area. Have the child help in the set up and decorating the new workspace. Paint the space with the child`s favorite colors, hang a dry erase board and add a few personal touches and it will make a perfect work area.
- For older children who can study without supervision, a more private work space can be made in an unused corner of the attic or basement.
Keeping Things Organized
Involving a child in the organizing process will not only give him / her a sense of accomplishment, but when it is clear just how much work goes in to it, there is a better chance of it being kept neat and tidy. Remind children often that there is a place for everything and that things must be kept in the designated places. Eventually putting things where they belong will become second nature.
Laurie Pizans - I am a wife and the mother of three grown children and one silly yellow dog. I quit work a few years back due to health problems, but work ...
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