Empowering your children: How to cultivate their organizational skills from an early age

As parents, one of the most significant contributions you can make to your children is to help them stay organized and manage their daily tasks. Organization encompasses various aspects including schoolwork completion, daily chores and time management. As a psychologist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, I understand the importance of developing organizational habits early on and tailoring strategies to match each child’s unique developmental level. In this blog, I will share some practical tips and techniques to help your children stay organized and build organizational skills that will benefit them in the long run. 

Here are my six valuable tips to foster organizational skills in your children: 

Understand your child’s developmental level: When teaching kids how to be organized, it is important to consider their developmental levels. Often times, children might push back because the tasks seem too overwhelming or beyond their current abilities. Take the time to observe and understand your child’s capabilities before setting expectations. If the task is new to them, be sure to model and teach these skills beforehand. Offer positive reinforcement when they make progress or complete tasks correctly. This positive feedback will boost their self-esteem and motivate them to keep up the excellent work. 

Organizational skills and the concept of “tacking on”: When it comes to tasks such as keeping their room clean and tidy, breaking down the process into smaller, manageable tasks can be more effective. For instance, a younger child might start with putting toys in a bin, and once they master that, you can gradually introduce additional tasks like arranging their shoes on a shoe rack. The “tacking on” approach allows them to feel a sense of accomplishment and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed. As your child grows older and more capable of taking on responsibilities, you can introduce more tasks gradually. 

Establishing clear routines: Consistency is important for developing a child’s organizational skills. A visual schedule displayed on the fridge or a wall can be very effective. You can simplify tasks for younger kids by using pictures to represent each task, facilitating smoother transitions as they move from one activity to another. As children grow older, a to-do list with specific tasks and timeframes can be useful. These routines help children understand the order of their daily activities leading to more productive days. 
 
Managing time for children: Time management is an essential organizational skill that can benefit children throughout their lives. For children who have not grasped the concept of time yet, visual timers can be invaluable tools. These timers use colors and shapes to represent the passage of time, making it easier for children to understand the duration of tasks. For younger kids, there are visual timers that slowly reveal a picture of a cartoon character as time runs down. When time is up, a full character profile appears on the screen, signaling to the child that the task is finished.  

Creating a dedicated study area: A dedicated study area can help a child focus and concentrate on their homework. Choose a space free from distractions and keep it consistent for homework time. Minimize background noise and make sure an adult is nearby to provide guidance and redirection when needed. This helps children associate the study area with productivity and helps them stay focused on the task. 

Power of positive reinforcement:  As a psychologist, I cannot stress enough how important it is to acknowledge and reward your child’s efforts in staying organized and completing tasks. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging children to continue their good habits. Praising and rewarding your child for doing a great job will boost their self-esteem and motivation. It encourages them to continue their efforts and most importantly, instills a sense of pride in their accomplishments. 

Remember, developing organizational habits take time and practice. Be flexible and adaptable in your approach to teaching this new skill. Also, pay attention to your child’s reactions, and be ready to make any adjustments as needed. With consistent guidance and support, your children will flourish and become responsible and organized individuals. Just be patient and understanding during this process. 

To learn more about Mental and Behavioral Services at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, visit:  
Mental and Behavioral Health Services | Children's Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org)