Getting your kids organized

New Haven (WTNH) - Lisa Lelas, professional organizer and owner of Life Styling in Guilford, was here this morning with some tips on how to get your kids to clean up and organize. See below for her tips.

Lisa also has a new book out called "ORGANIZING A TO Z: A Children's Organizing Alphabet & Guide to Getting Organized," the country's first and only picture book on the subject of organizing for young kids. ORGANIZING A TO Z, by Lisa Lelas, is available at Amazon.com.

Lisa also has a couple organizing events coming up. One is "How to Become a Professional Organizer," happening this morning, Saturday, March 21st from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Haven Holiday Inn. The event is sponsored by the CT chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, a non-profit organizaton. Go to www.napoct.com for more information.

Also, Lisa will present "Simple Steps to Clutter Control" at the Guilford Library on the Guilford Green, Tuesday March 24th at 12 p.m., as part of their on-going "lunch & learn" series. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

The following information was provided by Lisa:

The ABC's of Getting Your Kids Organized

Do the words "clean your room!" sound like a familiar battle cry in your home? Toddlers with toys, school kids with papers piled high, teens with dirty clothes scattered everywhere…

Can your child get organized? The answer is yes!

Studies indicate that most children who learn and adopt basic organizational skills at a young age go on to do better academically, socially and emotionally in High School, College, and even in the business world.

Learning to be organized is a process. It requires dedication, optimism and lot of support. The quickest way to disconnect from your child is to criticize him. Always encourage, inspire & create a sense of joy with every accomplishment, big or small.

Children learn differently and react to their environment differently. Understanding how children think & how they make sense of the world around them can greatly increase the level of joy & comfort in their lives.

Remember to be the role model. Keep your things orderly too. Children learn from what they see and what they live (your actions, not your words!)

The ABC's of getting started:

• A -- ALWAYS involve your kids in the organizing process so they can learn from you how to keep their things in order. ACKNOWLEDGE their feelings. If they are really not ready to get rid of something, help them find a place to keep it. AVOID using toy boxes in playrooms and bedrooms, since they are really just a clutter catcher for long lost toys. Instead, sort toys on open shelves or in smaller categorized containers.
• B -- BE specific with your expectations from kids. Instead of saying "clean your room," explain what you'd like them to do: "make your bed," "put away your toys," or "pick up the clothes on the floor." Have BINS AND BASKETS available to help give all their things a "home," so they'll know where to put things.
• C -- CORRAL, CULL, & CONTAIN. First you must CLEAR THE CLUTTER: give away, throw away or donate old toys and clothes no longer needed. Start a family CHORE JAR with weekly household goals tucked in on slips of paper, whereby one is drawn each week to accomplish and CREATE activity zones: a Dressing zone in their room (having all clothes in one area, a hamper & mirror), a Play zone (a place for their toys to be contained or displayed), a Reading zone (books, a comfy chair and good lighting), and a Homework Center (stocked with supplies within reach).

Tips compiled by Lisa Lelas, www.LifeStylingwithLisa.com.