The key to organizing and keeping order is to have a designated place for everything and limit incoming items.
Adults have to lead by example in teaching, maintaining cleanliness, and organization.
My childhood
Growing up, my family didn’t have abundance. We had enough, but not a lot.
The four children were encouraged to give to others who didn’t have as much, and we usually only received one toy at Christmas. We took care of our toys and breaking one did not garner a replacement.
Books were borrowed from the library and returned.
We had a limited clothing supply or choice of clothing—two pairs of shoes, one winter coat, etc.
Kids don’t need a lot of “stuff.” They need love and attention.
Our child and grandchildren
Our daughter requested that we “not” give her children toys—she wanted those to come from her since they lived in a tiny duplex.
I bought their first dolls, a ball or two, a set of cars, and two stuffed animals each. [The purchases were cleared with their mother first.]
Later, we bought family board games at appropriate times—being sure to clear with mom what she wanted us to purchase (sometimes we gave her the money to cover those purchases.)
When the children were older and started playing with handheld electronic games, we gave each enough cash to purchase a game for that device at Christmas.
What else did we give them?
We purchased beds and bedding, pillows, desks, chairs, shelving, a battery for mom’s car, tires for the car, dishes, cups, money for school clothing, shoes, and coats.
We invited them over for meals as much as their busy mom could come to our home.
We had staycations which included taking the children or family out for meals, playing with them in our home and yard, and watching movies. We shared our love instead of things that would clutter their home.
Our nieces and nephews
We gave family games, food towers, blankets, sleeping bags, clothes hampers, disposable party supplies, birthday cakes, etc.
Our parents and siblings
We gifted cash to our parents in addition to drawing names for the adult gifts. Later, that became “Dirty Santa.” Now we get together for a meal and don’t give any presents for the large family get-togethers.
In conclusion
Children remember the time, attention, and events you participate in with them. They generally don’t recall specific items if there is an overabundance of stuff.
Teach your children how to pick up after themselves. Having a system of organization in place will help maintain order in the home.
