I firmly believe in the power of feng shui and how items are placed and oriented in a room work towards controlling the energy in that room. If you have too much stuff, I believe your aura gets cluttered, and the energy flow in that room gets stifled. As adults, we mostly understand this. Even if we don’t always practice clutter control. I believe that teaching this critical “adulting” skill to children is a vital part of helping them to become future, healthy adults. Here are 5 tips that I use and hope will help you to teach your own kids how to declutter like bosses!
The Use It, Love It, Play With it Rule
When working with my children to declutter their spaces I always ask them to think about when was the last time they used an item or played with it? This helps them to understand which toys and items in their room(s) are of most value to them. Have they played or used it recently? When was the last time they actually did use it? What items do they like to play with the most and why? All of these questions are good ones that help them to understand which items are the most useful and bring them the most happiness. Sometimes this might even mean allowing them to get rid of items that might have sentimental value for me as a parent. If they don’t love that stuffed animal their dad won for them at the County Fair, then I need to let them pass it on to someone else who might get more joy from it.
A Place For Everything
In our home we have a place for everything rule. This means that items need to be stored up and off of the floor or nicely placed on countertops and in shelves. If there isn’t a place for something, then we need to find a place for it. That means quite often replacing items that don’t make us happy or that we don’t use with items that we do use and enjoy. If there is a place for everything, then it is also easy to clean up toys and belongings since each item has it’s own designated place.
One In One Out
After holidays and birthdays practicing this decluttering skill with your children is a really great idea! Help your child understand that there is limited space in your home. Give them a box or container to fill with old toys and items which they no longer use. Remind them as you do this that they just received so many great new gifts that made them happy and there are other children who have less than them. Giving or donating these items to others will help to make the happiness go around!
Have A Bin For Outgrown Clothes
I have a small bin for my kids’ to regularly place their items into that no longer fit them, are worn, or that they no longer like. This helps both them and myself to easily clean out unnecessary clothing, and it also helps children to take inventory of what items they need replenished or restocked. In a family of six having a plan like this is vital, and helps me avoid the rush of needing to buy pants the night before a cold snap is coming through! It also allows children to understand that by clearing out the old items they no longer use, it can make way for new items they need and love.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude can shape a whole conversation or an entire day. Help your children to understand that time and resources have gone into what they have and own. This means sometimes saying no when children want something new, “just because.” Gratitude helps children to be more grateful for what they have and sometimes, to maybe even teach them how to work towards achieving something they really want. When kids learn to appreciate what they have it helps to put “things” into perspective for them and to place healthy boundaries on understanding what brings them the most happiness.
I hope these tips have helped you think of some ways to help your children learn how to declutter.
Best wishes for a happy 2020!
Love,
Jen
