How do I teach my kids to be organized, when I am not organized myself?

Question

I feel so bad about this, I myself lack organizational skills today and have no idea how to fix it and stay on top of it. My teenager is even struggling in highschool specifically because of being so unorganized with his assignments. Any input or new ideas I could implement would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

kids look up to their parents... lead by example simple as that!!

Answer 2

I was also in the same situation.

      My child was going to start middle school and his desk, backpack and room were a mess. I found that because I was always organizing for him at home he did not feel the need too.

So I turned the tables and started asking for his help when I couldn't find things. He started to get frustrated with having to help me.

A few months later He said " Mom if you would just organize better this wouldn't happen."  Oh and maybe you might want to take your own advice instead of expecting  Mom to do it  all the time.

He has been very organized with his school work ETC.. but his clothes, is another issue.

Best of Luck

Answer 3

I have found that the best way to teach our children is to practice what we preach. Try something out together, you know, say ok, we both need to try to do this better and admit to him that your not very organized either and how hard it is being so unorganized as an adult and you want to teach him while he is young but that also means you have to teach yourself. Mayber you can have an organizational person come to your home and give you both a little instruction. The best thing is to be honest with him and not hard on him since it is most likely your lack of org. that has caused this. I can only say this because I am going through the same thing though my children are younger. The oldest is only 10 so we are working on it together. I try not to be hard on her when her room is a mess and mine is too!  :)   Good Luck!

Answer 4

Well, there's nothing better than "doing good things together". Write down how much you want to do by the end of the week. Together of course, him cleaning his mess and you cleaning your own. Who gets more done, gets a special "treatment", be it money or an outing ! Who loses, pays ! LOL ! Find the "fun part" of it !

Answer 5

Make a list of things you need and head to Walmart.

Get color coded bins and folders. Sharpies and labels. Example: Teen, color code each subject in a different colored folder, have a 'in' and 'out' bin. Make sure you have a wastepaper basket close by to where you do your work.

Get on of those write on, wipe off calendars for the kitchen wall or central area. Everyone in the family gets a different color dry erase marker. Start writing it down and do it every day!

We also try to have a mini-powwow a few times a week to talk about what is going on and coming up... Usually on Sunday evenings.

Answer 6

Monkey see, monkey do!

Answer 7

Get them an organizer to write down assignments. A folder for every class.