Organize and Simplify

Model the Behavior You Desire

Sometimes you may feel, “It’s not my mess. My kids won’t put their shoes away, and my husband won’t pitch in.”

Often, the very things that parents ask kids to do, we forget to do ourselves! Things like:

• Hanging up your coat;
• Putting your shoes away;
• Picking up behind yourself;
• Cleaning your room;
• Making your bed;
• Getting dressed first thing in the morning;
• Putting your clothes away,

Kids learn more from what their parents do than what they say. If tasks like these are truly important to you, doing them routinely yourself is the best way to convey that message.

By establishing routines and habits, you model responsible behavior for your children. If you choose to change the way you do things, share this with your children. Show them it’s never too late to learn new habits.

You may also find you don’t need to say much at all. When you turn routines into habits, your family will notice. They’ll get used to not seeing dishes in the sink and be more likely to keep it that way. Your spouse will get used to seeing the bed made and perhaps do it him (or her) self.

Use a Calendar or Day Planner

Calendars and Day Planners are excellent tools for staying organized. It can also help to have a dry-erase family calendar in a central location so everyone knows the schedule. Day Planners are helpful for writing ‘To Do’ lists to keep you on task.