FROM GOOD TO GREAT: DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONAL SUPERPOWERS
Have you ever found yourself hunting for your car keys or wallet right at the moment you are expected to be out the door and on your way to an important engagement? Or, have you ever walked in the door from work after a long day - looking forward to grilling those delicious steaks you bought over the weekend - only to realize you forgot to take them out of the freezer last night?!!! Ugh, what was going to be dinner on the patio with the family has now turned into a pricey take-out night in the kitchen!
Organization - or lack thereof - was the culprit in the scenarios above.
Organization is an executive function skill that helps us develop efficient systems to manage and complete tasks. It’s essential for navigating both everyday routines and larger projects.
Organization shows up in two main ways:
Physical organization (e.g., having a place for everything—keys, wallets, backpacks, lunchboxes).
Mental organization (e.g., remembering to take meat out to thaw or mapping out a project deadline).
As adults, we’re constantly juggling responsibilities. "Adulting" often means managing calendars, appointments, work tasks, household chores, and more—all of which rely on strong organizational skills.
Children, teens and young adults though, are just beginning to build this skill. And they have a lot to manage too: schoolwork, extracurriculars, chores, social lives, and more.
The good news is that with patience, exposure and consistency, we can absolutely help our children to build and strengthen their organizational skills. For your consideration, below are 5 practical strategies you may want to try at home.
1. Create Visual Schedules & Checklists
Why it works: Many kids (especially visual learners) do better when they can see what’s expected.
Consider this:
Make a visual chart for morning or bedtime routines.
Post a simple homework checklist near their study area.
Use sticky notes or a whiteboard to map out daily tasks.
Consistency helps these tools become part of the routine.
2. Use the “Think Aloud” Strategy
Why it works: Kids learn by watching and hearing how adults solve problems.
Consider this:
Say, “Hmm, you need to remember your soccer gear for tomorrow. Can I suggest that first, make a list…?”
Talk through how you organize your day or prep for an event.
🗣️ You’re modeling mental organization without a lecture!
3. Give Everything a “Home”
Why it works: Kids feel less overwhelmed when their environment is structured.
Consider this:
Label bins or drawers for school supplies, toys, or clothes.
Keep a designated spot for backpacks and lunchboxes.
Do quick clean-up routines together to reinforce the habit.
When kids know where things belong, they're more likely to put them back.
3. Practice Organizing Together
Why it works: Executive function skills grow with practice—especially with guidance.
Consider this:
Set a timer for 7 minutes to clean a backpack or desk together. (*when you assign a random and/or uneven time to complete a task, it can help to improve focus and productivity)
Turn it into a game: “Let’s race to sort these papers!” or “put away the toys” for younger children.
As your child becomes comfortable with the routine and expectations, consider adding a backpack, desk or room organization “facelift” on a weekly basis.
🎯 Your involvement sends a message (without the drama) that clutter can compromise one's efficiency and that “this is important” and you deserve an organized bag, desk or playroom.
4. Tailor Systems to Your Child’s Style
Why it works: Not all kids organize the same way—flexibility matters.
Consider this:
Let them choose between folders, binders, or digital tools.
Observe what systems work naturally for them and build from there.
🎨 It’s okay to experiment—what matters is that the system works for them.
5. Build Routines with Repetition
Why it works: Organization becomes easier when it’s built into daily routines.
Consider this:
Anchor tasks to consistent times (like packing a bag after dinner).
Use gentle reminders or visual cues—then fade them out as your child builds independence.
🌱 Repetition helps turn effort into habit.
When we're organized—free of clutter and armed with the right tools—we give ourselves and our children a cognitive lift. Instead of spending brainpower on finding lost items or remembering forgotten tasks, we can focus on what truly matters.
Yes, organization takes time and energy. But the payoff? Greater independence, reduced stress, and more peaceful mornings (and dinners!).
What’s one strategy you’re willing to try this week??
