Organizing Your Child
This week Sunshine State Counseling Center is focusing on organizational tips for parents and children, now that school is back in session. Things can seem or even get messier than usual with the start of a new school year. Parents tend to get frustrated with their child for having a messy desk or missing deadlines at school. With changes including teachers, schools, and classes, your child might feel overwhelmed and setting up an organization system can be beneficial. The following tips can be used at home or at school:
Here are three ideas to try at home:
- Enforce time concepts: help your child stay on task and stay organized. A child who masters the concept of time and sequence is better able to get organized and complete tasks.
- Make a Calendar: Calendars serve as a visual record of activities your child must complete. Having your child write down and cross off activities helps them develop a sense of accountability.
- Create a filing system: providing a place for everything helps your child not have to go back and forth unsure of where things are. Color coding things based on subject can help things all stay together in one place.
Here are three ideas to try in the Classroom:
- Give assignments in writing: Ask your child to write down assignments or have teacher give printed instructions. Having a visual reminder is often useful for the memory of child.
- Design a folder system that works: Have child work with you to create reminders and add color tabs to point to important dates. Keep trying and experimenting until you find a system that works for your child.
- Provide additional supplies: If possible, give your child two sets of supplies—one for home and one for school. This way, there is less of a chance your child will forget things and will not have to remember to bring items back and forth to school.
Remember, it is trial and error with children. Remain patient and do not forget to praise your child for even what may seem like small accomplishments.