Organization is a key Executive Function skill that plays a role in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. For kids and teens, organization skills come up everywhere including keeping a tidy space, keeping track of their belongings and preparing for class presentations. A child who has difficulty with organization may seem forgetful, perpetually, overwhelmed, and “scattered.”
Does My Child Struggle With Organization?
If you think your child has difficulty with organization, ask yourself if any of the signs below resonate with you.
1. A messy backpack filled with crumpled papers, crumbs, broken pencils, and random items.
2. A messy bedroom, with clothes strewn across the floor, toys left out, and books scattered everywhere.
3. A child who constantly misplaces items and frequently loses track of where they put their homework.
4. Random notes scattered across sticky notes, scraps of paper, or empty planners that your child refers to as a to-do list.
If your child displays these signs of executive dysfunction, an Executive Function (EF) coach may be helpful. EF coaches can teach your child strategies to develop organizational skills that will eventually become second nature.
5 Strategies to Help Your Child Become More Organized
As a parent you can model organization for your child and you can create structure to make it easier for them to be organized:
1. Use Labeled Bins and Folders
Designated spaces for school supplies, toys, and personal items make it easier for your child to find and put away their belongings. Use clear labels or color-coded bins and folders to guide them visually. For example, you can have a “Homework Folder” for assignments and a “Toys Bin” for their favorite playthings. This system creates clear expectations for where things belong.
2. Introduce Different Organization Tools
Every child is different, so it’s important to explore tools that work best for them. Some children may prefer a simple digital planner, while others might benefit from a paper planner or a whiteboard hung on their wall. Sticky notes, visual schedules, and task apps are also worth trying. Experiment with these tools to find the system that’s easiest for your child to manage.
3. Provide Visual References
For a better-organized space, take a photo of what a clean desk, room, or backpack looks like. This gives your child a visual reference to follow when it’s time to tidy up. Visual cues are especially helpful for children who struggle with abstract instructions like “clean your room.” Instead, they can compare their space to the photo and replicate the organized setup.
4. Teach Them a Simple Mantra
“Don’t put it down, put it away.” This mantra helps reinforce the habit of immediately returning items to their proper place rather than leaving them out. As they keep repeating this phrase in their head over time, they will be more likely to reduce clutter and stay organized.
5. Choose a Functional Backpack
Introduce a backpack with multiple sections and teach your child how to use it effectively. Assign each compartment a specific purpose, such as books in the main section, writing tools in a pocket, and snacks in another. Show them how to use a pencil case to keep smaller items like pens and erasers organized and prevent them from getting lost. Regularly review the backpack with your child to ensure it stays tidy and reinforce the habit. Note that organization is not just about tidying up physical spaces. It also involves the mental work of maintaining systems and managing responsibilities. It’s the ability to sort assignments by deadlines or break larger projects into smaller steps. It also includes mentally preparing for the day by double-checking that everything needed for school or work is ready.
How Can HabitCoach Help?
HabitCoach helps children build healthy habits using strategies based on each child’s unique needs and playing to their strengths. Our curriculum contains multiple lessons on organization and our coaches know how to teach kids to be more organized.
