Teaching Children to Fight Clutter
source: zcreem
Yesterday I had the privilege of guest posting over at Unclutterer with some tips for teaching children to fight clutter from an early age. There’s already been some great discussion in the comments, and I’d love if you’d pop over and add your thoughts!
Last night, I thought of another one that I’d add to the list. This might seem trite, but I refuse to buy my children any clothing with a “give me” slogan on them. Oh, I stop and laugh and think how cute they’d look in one of Old Navy’s signature graphic tees with “All mine!” or “Peace, Love and Presents” on the front, but I don’t think I can teach them that Christmas isn’t all about the gifts or that we don’t want to just accumulate more and more stuff if I’m buying them clothes with those phrases, so I resist.
What other things do you do — or not do — to teach your children to fight clutter?
This just made me think of clothes and toys with themes in general. I think personally for me to make the decision to not put my kids in any “themed” or “commercial” clothing has cut back on some clutter for us. I’m talking carton characters like sponge bob and what not. I have tried not to give into the commercialism of anything. When someone asks about gifts for the kids I don’t say they are into Spiderman, or Sponge Bob, or (trying not to) Dora! I try to mention toys that will grow with them or can be passed down.
My oldest son has a dress code at school so we buy him clothes that will work for school whether he is there or not. He looks much more presentable and with the younger ones I don’t have to worry about any arguments ensuing over what to wear because a certain cartoon is on it.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one Mandi!
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Mandi Ehman Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I think you have a really good point here. While we do have a few character toys, we really try to avoid them overall as well (although I’ll admit their stockings are full of Disney stuff this year because we just couldn’t resist!). It definitely makes for longer-lasting toys that can be passed down rather than “needing” to be replaced every time they have a new obsession.
Great point!
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Our little guy is 3, so at this point he puts away his toys and straightens out his room, but I handle the majority of the “clutter control” If a gift is a duplicate, or is something I prefer we not have around the house, I store it away and drop all these items off at a toy drive before the holidays. When family and friends ask for gift suggestions, I recommend “experience” gifts, books, or toys that will have lasting enjoyment. I giveaway little plastic toys from goody bags right away. We don’t go crazy with gifts at birthdays or holidays. I do a toy purge before Christmas and his birthday, passing along toys to family friends or donate them.
By having less things, he enjoys the toys he has and actually plays with all of them. I rotate them out to keep things interesting for him.
I’ve been to too many houses where there are finished basements filled with toys that are stepped on and climbed over and the quantity of toys overwhelms young kids.
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Tanna, I’m totally in agreement with your “brand” philosophy. We avoid “characters” and “branding” with all his clothing and most of his toys. He also doesn’t have a character “theme” room. Quite difficult given the fact that everyone wants to get our 3 year old “Thomas the Train” gear and items, including my mother!
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Tanna @ Complete Organizing Solutions Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Yes the family members can go crazy with the themes, it makes for easy shopping but I just don’t want my kids to get so wrapped up in one character. My kids all have generic themed rooms.
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Hello, this is my first time to comment here, I have been reading for a while though. I am trying to de-clutter and organize my home before we start back to school after Christmas. I am having a little problem getting motivated though any pointers?
Also I totally agree with you on not threatening kids with their toys by saying ” if you don’t clean your room I am going to throw your toys away.” I am ashamed to say I have tried this! My kids would rather not play with their toys so they don’t have to clean their rooms. Ever dealt with that? If so what did you do? Thanks for posting it!
love your site!
Joy
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This came at the perfect time. I have three kids. The first two are trained to put away their things or they lose them for good, but my third child (4 years old) is a tough one to train. I plan on getting the “I Did My Chores” chore chart for him. Hopefully, this will be a fun way to get him to help around the house. I look forward to reading your post over at The Unclutterer
Jackie @ Lilolu´s last blog ..
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Jackie @ Lilolu Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I just read your post over at the Unclutterer and realized I was doing something wrong already. #5 threatening them by taking something away. Okay, it’s time to rethink that one. Looks like my four year isn’t the only one that needs to change his ways. Thanks for the wake up call. Have a great day!
Jackie @ Lilolu´s last blog ..
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[...] Teaching Children to Fight Clutter. Great tips here from Mandi. Yes, kids are good at fighting, might as well get them to fight the clutter monster! [...]