by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
The end of school and summer beginning partnered with an exhausted mind can result in, what I call, situational clutter. Last year I shared how my Pipsqueak showed up with a black bag from his teacher on the last day of school, such thoughtfulness.
This year he showed up with a binder. Boy how things change from elementary to middle school. To be honest, I was a little frightenedto ask him where "the rest of it" was. But ask I must.
Turns out much of it was thrown out during the "locker clean out" at school and the remainder has trickled in over the past week. This explains the trail of miscellaneous items that have been collecting {at the bottom of the stairs, on the kitchen counter, on the floor in the bedroom}. As always, I have a great strategy to share with y'all that I've tested on my own kiddos.
End of School Clutter Timed Scavenger Hunt
Gathering up all the 'post school year' items is the first step to decluttering. Explain to the student the purpose of the task and what the expectations are.
- For the elementary school aged child you can easily set a timer and encourage them to race around gathering items.
- For the middle school child make it competitive - think: "beat the clock"
- For the teenager consider using their favorite song as the time limit, or simply pitching in with them and playing their favorite music while you both beebop around
End of School Clutter Date with the Stuff
Making the time to deal with the decisions is often half the battle. Scheduling a "date" just like you would for an evening out or a special occasion can help deter the procrastination.
- For the elementary school aged child ask them to share the 'story' of the projects or artwork they would like to keep. Note the details {usually on the back} and set aside to keep. If they can't remember creating the item make a deal to recycle or gift it in an attempt to declutter.
- For the middle school child offer to provide fun snacks and some one on one time with you {minus any technological distractions} to go through the mounds of paperwork. Teach them to evaluate what still has meaning and what can be recycled
- For the teenager consider teaching them "creating a portfolio" skills. Help them to recognize what items would make good examples of their educational efforts. Explain the purpose of a resume or portfolio when applying for jobs or volunteer opportunities and how their essay's A can be a testament to their ability to focus, complete projects and take pride in their work.
End of School Points toward privilages
- For the elementary school aged child offer to reward their efforts with a privilage they haven't had yet {staying up late, having a sleepover, camping in the yard} as a way to motivate them when things seem overwhelming. Help guide them with decisions and let them lead the way on the pace.
- For the middle school child I love the site MyJobChart.com - we've used it in our home for the past year. I set a value to each job/chore and allocated what the points can earn. For those of you thinking it sounds a lot like a "star chart" you're on the right track. Only with this system the kiddo feels much more independent 'logging on' to their area and checking the things off their list. It also allows them to own what they'll do each day. Consider a privilage or reward they've wanted for awhile such as hanging out with their friends in a public place unsupervised for a few hours - once their end of school clutter has been handled.
- For the teenager consider what their currency is. Gift cards for iTunes, gas or even the grocery store are great to have on hand & slip them once they've accomplished an exceptionally difficult task. In my house allowing the chaperoned date-night-in has been a great motivator as well as making a favorite meal for dinner.
End of School Clutter ... When all else fails
I get it, some kids may not be too keen on these ideas. Some parents may not have the time to stay on top of a task getting done. While I don't condone bribery or ultimatums, I do encourage parents to go with what works. Oh, and always - ALWAYS - lead by example.
Keepin it Tidy,
april
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
