Has their room become a heaping pile of toys, clothes and scary things you’d rather not venture to find out what they may be?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a topic that has come up quite frequently that I would like to address and help you make downsizing with your kid’s fun.
Yes, I said fun!
For some parents the fear rises that they’ve passed on there hoarding tendencies to their children and the battle to get their children’s bedroom under control is a lost cause.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Kids want to do things that are fun and that can also make a difference. The best way to approach this is to:
1.) Give them a framework to work from. This first step is crucial. I’ve seen many parents get upset with their kids for not putting their clothes or toys away. The reason is usually because they do have a “system” or framework to do so. In this situation for downsizing toys and clothes. Give them 3 boxes that they can decorate for the person whom they will be “gifting” their items to.
2.) Ask your child what toys or clothes they don’t like very much. This opens up the conversation for them to express how they “feel” about their things.
3.) Then ask your child to pick out some “baby” items that they would like to give to another child who may really like it. This will let them know that someone is on the receiving end of their items and that their loved toys and clothes are not just being discarded into the unknown.
4.) Sort the pile of items into the 3 separate recipients.
5.) Tape them shut and take them to your car.
The last step is just as important as the first. If you do not see this project through to completion, you can bet that they or you will find it lying around the house. This project is intended to eliminate clutter, not contain and forget.
This foundation for downsizing with your kids can be fun and rewarding. Really listen to how they “feel” about their
things. It’s so important to listen and have the discussion with them so that they can develop health relationships with their belongings. The clutter cycle stops with a conversation.
Please write your comments below on how you tackle clutter with your children.
What works best? What doesn’t work AT ALL? What are your biggest challenges?
In this video I share 2 simple mindset shifts that will help you when talking to your children about downsizing their
belongings.
