How do you believe organization impacts the cognitive development of preschoolers? How does it impact their first experiences with school?
In my experience as both a teacher and a professional organizer, I have no doubt that kids thrive when there is order. Organization provides a framework for developing a healthy relationship with what we own. It assists in understanding routines and above all else creates an atmosphere of calm and focus in which children can learn best. Children need to understand (in general terms) how their day will play out and what to reasonably expect will take place. This provides a sense of security and order, which creates a conducive atmosphere for learning.
What can parents do at home to help prepare their child before s/he go to school for the first time?
What can parents do at home to help prepare their child before s/he go to school for the first time?
It’s important to dedicate time to back-to-school preparation and to include your child actively in that preparation. If your child sees and feels that you are serious about committing time and effort to their attending school then they will naturally infer that it’s important and valuable. By including your child in the preparations – reading school notices, choosing clothes, shopping for school items – you will also take the mystique out of the new experience and help your child see it as something exciting and an event to look forward to. It’s also important for parents to honestly deal with their own emotions. If they’re sad or upset at this transition for themselves then they need to be careful not to project that onto their child.
How do children learn to organize themselves?
How do children learn to organize themselves?
Organization is a learned skill like good manners or long division. From the earliest age, we need to demonstrate to our kids that we value organization. We need to show them it’s an important and integral part of the way we live our lives, and without organization, chaos develops. The words ‘organization’ and ‘organic’ come from the same root. Organic – whole, human, complete, one. This is the reason why we should commit time to organization and show our children that we value it – it’s the way to become the best we can be. By modeling the behavior we want, helping children take responsibility for their own time and spaces and by committing time to organization, we can show that we value organization and teach kids the skills they need.
Are there certain people/kids who are simply destined for disorganization? How can parents help children break this cycle?
Are there certain people/kids who are simply destined for disorganization? How can parents help children break this cycle?
Anyone can be taught to be organized. With kids, this has to start early. Along with love and food and shelter, kids need two things – limits and routines. I’ve seen again and again that you can teach kids everything they need to know about clutter and organization from day one. For example, start with their toy bins, and give your child a couple of toy bins – or however many adequately fit into the space you’ve allocated for toys. Tell them that this is where the toys live. When the bins are full of toys, ask your child to discard a toy before s/he are allowed to add new ones. This is a great way to teach you child the idea of limits and that s/he can’t own everything. It’s also a great way to build decision-making skills and introducing the concepts of giving to those less well off (by giving the discarded toys to charity) and that things are not forever. At the end of the day, when playtime is over, the toys go back into the bins. This establishes a routine and teaches your child personal responsibility, the notion of time tabling and that they have to contribute to the running of the house. These concepts – limits and routines – are the basis for living a clutter-free and organized life and can definitely be taught early in a child’s life.
What would you tell a child who was going to school for the first time to help them feel prepared and organized? Is there something you’d have them to do?
What would you tell a child who was going to school for the first time to help them feel prepared and organized? Is there something you’d have them to do?
It’s about how you present the world to your child. This is an exciting new phase for children. It’s a sign that they are growing up and trying new and challenging things. To facilitate the transition, parents should spend quality time with their children getting everything ready and demonstrate to them that they are fully prepared and organized for every aspect of back-to-school. Make sure they’re involved, get them to talk with other kids, provide opportunities for them to talk about concerns and celebrate this rite of passage as a family. Through preparation, you should be able to instill the necessary confidence and attitude in your child.
Does Peter Walsh have kids?
I don’t know. I will email him and ask. Thanks.