I love order. I want everything in its place. I desire this so much that I am willing to make a place for something or throw it away as opposed to finding a “just for now” place. However, I have a problem. I am naturally inclined to be disorderly. Orderliness is a constant struggle that causes me a great amount of stress and frustration. A disorderly home is uncomfortable, frustrating, and overwhelming. It will breed disorderly children who will add to the stressful atmosphere. Keep going down that road and no one will want to spend time home relaxing. In addition, disorder is a money waster. I have purchased items because I forgot I previously purchased them. Or due to “losing” items I have had to purchase new ones. This is not the legacy I want to leave my children.
Orderliness is defined as a method or systematic arrangement. Do you feel your wings being clipped just reading that? My friend, the opposite is what you will find once order enters your life. Your wings will unfurl and give you height as you fly as you are set free from disorder. You will have more time and finally be able to breath. The goal orderliness is to achieve efficiency not perfection. Teaching this to your children is a gift.
Children learn to be orderly by example and by purposeful and consistent habit training. Sound overwhelming? Keep in mind that habits are learned regardless of purposefulness. If you are not purposely teaching orderliness then you are teaching disorder. Children who are not taught order will not recognize disarray. We must teach a child what disarray is by providing a place of order. Teach your child to leave a room better then she found it. This idea will teach a child to be aware of an ordered surrounding and to think beyond cleaning only her mess. Start off by teaching routines and remaining consistent. As your routine solidifies it will be easier to handle distractions, the unplanned, and simple flexibility. As you become orderly and keep order, your children will follow close behind. The lesson may take time and persistence but before long your wings will unfurl.