When my daughter began her second year of college, I
couldn't help but reflect on how quickly the years have flown by. The end of this past August brought a special moment when we flew together to her out-of-state college townhouse.
I had the
wonderful opportunity to assist her in setting up and decorating her new space, and I felt truly blessed that she wanted me there with her.
The hug we shared as we parted ways for me to fly
back home without her is a memory I'll cherish forever. Joe and I are excited for her, and we know she's going to have another fantastic school year.
Returning home, I couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia. I made a cup of tea and retrieved two small boxes of artwork she had created when she
was in grade school. It was all so sweet and therapeutic, a reminder of how quickly children grow up and move on to new stages in life.
This moment of reflection got me thinking about what I used to do when Amanda was in grade school. The start of the school year was the perfect opportunity for me
to get her room in order.
After all, a well-organized and clutter-free environment can greatly enhance a child's focus, productivity, and overall well-being.
Before school started, I would always begin by decluttering. In August, Amanda and I would sit down together and sort through her belongings. Together, we'd identify items she no longer needed or used and then donate toys, clothes, and school supplies that were in good condition to those in need. This
process not only freed up space but also taught valuable lessons about sharing and empathy.
Once school began, I focused on creating functional zones in her room. Each year, I would consider Amanda's age and divide her room into specific areas for sleeping, studying, playing, and
storing belongings. This helped her understand the purpose of each space and reduced chaos.
Assessing her current storage needs was essential, and I would invest in appropriate solutions like bins, shelves, and cubbies to keep things organized. Clear storage containers were especially useful, allowing her to see what's inside without rummaging through boxes.
Labeling everything from containers to drawers and shelves helped her identify where things belonged, fostering independence and making cleanup a breeze. By the way, for very young kids who cannot yet read, I recommend using photos to label bins
and containers so it's easy for them to know where everything goes.
To prevent clutter and encourage responsible play, I would regularly rotate Amanda's toys and books...putting some items into storage and bringing out some items that were in storage and displaying those. This
approach kept her room feeling fresh and exciting while maintaining order. I also implemented a "one thing out at a time" rule, ensuring that she had to put away one item before taking out another.
As we all adjust to the back-to-school season, take the time to organize your child's space. Doing so
can make a significant difference in their academic performance and overall well-being, allowing them the opportunity to benefit from an orderly and well-structured environment that supports their growth and development.
By the way, doing this makes me realize that even as our children grow and
venture off into the world, there are still productive and meaningful ways for us parents to stay connected and involved in their lives.
Organizing your child's room not only benefits
them but also gives you something productive to do while you're missing your kids at school. It's a tangible way to show your love and care, even when they're far away.
So, whether you're
sending your child off to college or seeing them off to elementary school, take the opportunity to create a space that supports their journey, and keep those special memories close to your heart.
The years may fly by, but the love and connection we share with our children remain as strong as ever.
Of course, if you don't have children, or if your kids are
grown and flown, use some of these ideas to organize your own space. Or perhaps offer some of these methods to someone who has children and can use a bit of organizing help.
