Some things just can’t be taught—but some things can. I believe there are things we can do as parents to help encourage and promote a sense of organization in our children. It just may take some time and effort!
I consider myself to be moderately organized. I am not Martha Stewart by any stretch of self definition, but I have learned a few tips and techniques over the years and I know a little something about how to keep a life that has a tendency to be a bit chaotic—somewhat organized. I think that organization, to a point, can be a skill that can be developed and practiced and that if children are raised with it, they will at least learn something about how to keep themselves and their lives organized.
Your system does not have to be complicated. Just start by creating a place for everything in your child’s world (and in your house). A child can learn that all the balls go in one basket and all the blocks go in another, just as she can learn that the glasses go in one cupboard and the plates in another. Create a place for a child’s shoes, book bag, homework, toothbrush, etc. By having a reasonably organized environment, children will learn that keeping things in their own places is normal.
I’ve heard that being able to organize requires higher-level thinking. Well, maybe if one is doing a complicated chemistry problem—but learning how to group tuna cans in one row and tomato sauce in another does NOT require higher-level thinking and is a great activity for the very young child. Have your child help you put away groceries and laundry—learning that socks go in one drawer, and the cereal goes in its own place. Over time and plenty of hands-on experience, I do believe that a parent can encourage and promote organizational skills in any child.
See Also: Why Being Organized Saves Money
Save Time and Money–Frugal Storage Tips for Your Child
Organize a Child’s Room Without Buying a Thing