As we settle in, to the new normal, we are all finding ways to organize and stay productive at home. Familiarizing yourself with virtual meeting etiquette, overseeing your kid’s online classwork and trying to keep everyone engaged and happy is no easy task. You may feel like your household tasks are taking a back seat but fear not. Your kids can get involved and help out! Empower them with a few simple directions and everyone will feel as if they are pitching in and doing their part. To help guide the process, Melissa Rogers, AKA Modified By Melissa, gives us a few of her tips.
Toys
Let the kids go through their toys and give them the authority to decide which ones they want to donate, toss and keep. I’ve found that most kids are very receptive to purging, and in fact, enjoy the feeling of sharing with others. Just make sure the project feels like an activity, not a punishment. “Bobby, you have so many wonderful toys you’ve collected from people who care about you, but I think it’s getting a little crowded in here. Can we go through some of the toys you don’t play with anymore and give them a new home?”
Books
Encourage your child to pull out of their books from the shelves and go through them, one by one, and organize. Some will be too young for them now, and others will be keepsakes. Decide on a number of books you both are comfortable keeping in the bookshelves. Donate the rest or place them in a box and have them ready to give to cousins and young neighbors once the pandemic is over.
Arts and Craft Supplies
Markers, crayons, glitter, glue sticks, chalk and colored paper add up fast. Quite often we don’t even realize how many have dried out, been used to the point of not being able to function properly, or just simply break or get old. Consider giving your child an easy task of going through one basket or pencil box of supplies at a time to ensure things are in working order. Discard everything you have not used in a year. Give them a blank piece of paper to use for testing markers. This task will no doubt lead to some extra drawing, doodling and coloring time.
Start the conversation with, “Do you ever feel like it’s hard to find the marker or pencil you’re looking for? Let’s take a few minutes today to clear out some of the supplies that you don’t use so you have everything you need at your fingertips. We can organize and make lots of space for your favorite colors and art supplies. We will also be able to determine what you are missing so we can replenish.”
School Artwork
Every mom feels guilty throwing away their kid’s artwork. But, there is only so much you can store and your kids may not be attached to much of what you are hanging onto. I often help clients set up a bin to sort, organize, and contain artwork and other items to keep them at a minimum. When working with clients, I always encourage them to go back through the previous years papers first, because knowing how much they’ve grown since those “blob” drawings, may make it easier to let some artwork go without feeling so much guilt. When asking for your kids’ help, consider setting a limit. “Bobby, can you look through this pile of your old artworks and pick your ten favorites? They are all really special, but let’s pick out the ones you really want to keep and take pictures of the rest.”
Check-in with them to see which pieces were their favorite and ask them what makes them special. It will start a conversation. Write down a few notes and store them with the art. You will both look back in years to come with new memories.
Snacks
Allow your child to set up and organize their own snack station. Find a basket or bin that is a good size for your pantry or cabinet space. (Not too big so they can manage to pull it in and out to access their snacks). I always recommend taking items out of the original bulky boxes which helps with access and fits easier into the basket space. Work together to decide which snacks you approve of them eating at will, and which need mom or dad’s approval before diving into first. Letting your kids choose which healthy snack to eat will encourage good habits.
Enjoy the time at home with the kids. It will not last forever.
You may also like Digging In the Dirt is Good For Your Soul. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
Have you always dreamed of fine-tuning your personal skills or honing your professional skills? Now is our opportunity. I am offering virtual training where I will work with you in a private session. This is a limited time offer, click here for more details.
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