If you know me at all, you know that I am an absolute freak about organization. One of my biggest pet peeves is wasted time and effort. I think that organization solves that problem. I realize that everyone organizes themselves differently…go with what works for you. That is the best way to stay consistent in this area. I’m really grateful that my sweet husband Clint shares my same love for organization…and is just as fanatical about it as I am. You really have to be careful if you come to visit our house…we might try and organize you! Our daughter is getting into the game by doing a great job of keeping her things put away and straightened up.
I picked up Absolutely Organize Your Family by Debbie Lillard a few weeks ago when it was available as a free Kindle download. I read this book in bits and pieces and finally wrapped it up last week. There are a lot of basics that are reviewed, but I also picked up some great tips for how to help Emma learn to be organized as she grows up. Lillard talks a lot about giving kids choices that are within your acceptable boundaries. This was a pretty quick read, but there are a lot of good takeaways.
I highlighted several things while reading and have posted them below…
- “Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.” — WINSTON CHURCHILL
- Being organized doesn’t just mean putting your things away. It means being efficient, organized with your time, getting your priorities straight, and creating balance in your life.
- Time management leads to less stress and more balance between what you must do and what you want to do.
- Keep only what you use. This sounds logical, but many people keep things because of emotional attachment, or because they might use the items someday. If you only keep what you use, your life will be clutter-free.
- Show them a good example, help them make choices and plan ahead, and you will lead your children into adulthood with valuable life skills.
- You can’t overload your children’s schedules and complain that you’re too busy or they’re too cranky.
- Instead of thinking of routines as boring, think of the serenity they can bring. There certainly is something calming and soothing about our routines.
- Living in a predictable environment makes children feel safe and secure.
- Routines built around family rituals like vacations, or simply reading at bedtime, strengthen the bond between parents and children.
- Every child is different. Observe your child and know his tendencies so you can help him develop realistic and non-stressful routines after school.
- Set realistic goals for your children and create a level of organization that they can maintain at their age level.
- Collections can help children increase their knowledge and teach them to appreciate things like nature. They also help parents find gift ideas.
- “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” — DENIS WAITLEY, PRODUCTIVITY CONSULTANT
- If you lead, they will follow.
- Give your children a few options that you can live with, and let them choose.
- You can’t overload your children’s schedules and complain that you’re too busy or they’re too cranky.
- Kids need downtime. Factor that in.