For Amy Chan, preparing her child, Alex, for camp was like gearing up for a short trip to Mars. Hat, sunscreen, and water bottle (meticulously labeled with permanent markers) were among the essentials carefully packed.
On Alex's first day at camp, Amy waved goodbye and kissed him farewell. The first text message she received read, “Mom, I lost my hat.” By day two, it was, “Mom, have you seen my towel?” On day three, Alex misplaced his water bottle. Alex lost things every day at camp.
Every night, she dreamed the camp’s Lost and Found pile growing larger, filled with Alex’s belongings
Alex’s mom sometimes laughed at how ridiculous it was that her son lost things so often, but deep inside, she wondered if he would ever learn to take care of his belongings independently.
Losing things, a common sign of executive dysfunction, can be incredibly frustrating for both children and parents alike. It not only leads to stress and conflicts but can also cause financial strain, especially when more valuable items like devices or accessories are misplaced. If you're looking to help your child lose things less often, here are some tips to share with them.
Strategies to Teach Your Child
1. Place objects in spots where they are less likely to forget them.
Place objects in spots where they are unlikely to be forgotten by strategically choosing visible and easily accessible locations. For instance, when you're at the movies with your child, place your coat on your lap instead of on the back of your chair. This way, it's visible and less likely to be forgotten. Remember, out of sight, out of mind!
2. Make use of technology.
Apple AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers are valuable tools for helping kids keep track of their belongings more effectively. These trackers can be securely attached to items such as backpacks, water bottles, or keys. By using a smartphone app, both parents and children can easily locate misplaced items by pinpointing their exact location. This capability not only reduces the stress of searching for lost items but also promotes responsibility in maintaining personal belongings. Enabling location services and "Find My iPhone" capabilities can also provide added security if a child misplaces their device.
3. Invest in storage and organization.
Teach kids the importance of giving everything a specific place to call home. Providing designated spots for items significantly decreases the likelihood of misplacement. Use trays or caddies on desks to organize pens, pencils, and other school supplies to minimize clutter. Label bins, baskets, or drawers with your child's name for storing specific items such as school supplies or toys. Implement shelving units or hanging organizers to neatly store clothes, shoes, and accessories, ensuring easy accessibility and encouraging your child to consistently return items to their designated spots.
4. Use a backpack.
If your child has more than three items to carry, it's best for them to use a backpack. Remind your child to always store their water bottle, laptop, folders and notebooks in their backpack. This reduces the likelihood of forgetting things.
Choose a backpack with multiple pockets for easier organization. Teach your child to use their backpack or pockets instead of leaving items scattered around, which helps them remember and keeps their belongings close at hand.
5. Make it a habit to double-check.
Encourage your child to double-check their belongings before leaving any place, including checking seat crevices, desk compartments, and the floor. Teach them the habit of immediately putting items away rather than just setting them down, reinforcing the practice of returning things to their designated places. For instance, if it only takes 30 seconds to return their earrings to their jewelry box instead of leaving them on the sink, encourage them to do so.
6. Introduce a reminder mantra.
Teach your child mnemonics or a simple phrase like "PBK" (Phone, Backpack, Keys) to remind them to check for essential items before leaving any location.
If you'd like more tips and strategies to help your child avoid losing things, HabitCoach is here to assist!
