Teaching kids to be organized is like shoveling while its snowing. Its frustrating and at times you feel like youre not getting anywhere. The good news is that its possible to raise organized children, the bad news is it isnt a one shot deal.

First you have to realize that organizing is a process. Its very much like helping them with their homework, it takes guidance and three crucial Ps planning, patience and perseverance.

Second you need to model effective organization yourself. Set a positive example by de-cluttering your own life. Figure out what organization means to you. Is its a neat and tidy appearance or a system that really works to keep you on top of all thats your life?

Personally when Im organized, I feel things are more orderly and less stressful. I want to teach my kids how they can organize their own lives and gain the same sense of order and satisfaction.

For me, learning how to organize was all about getting things in order. It was about creating a system that works and about being prepared for anything that came around the corner. It was also about being able to do what I needed or wanted when I needed or wanted to do it.

Children learn what they live. If you model an organized system then youll find that not only your household and schedules will run more efficiently and with less stress but youll be teaching your child an important lesson in responsibility.

Kids wont care less about being organized unless you make it personal and bring it down to their level. It has to make sense to them. They need to see the benefits of putting things away and the value of getting rid of things they dont need.

Organizing our minds is the first step in organizing our lives. Without clear thoughts were unable to come up with effective systems that will actually stand the test of time. We can de-clutter with the best of intentions but without the right thoughts communicating the right actions we revert back to old habits. A clear focus, a positive mindset and a solid maintenance system will propel you and your kids into a life that not only looks organized but actually is.

Learning how to effectively sort, purge and categorize is the key to an organized lifestyle. Encourage these skills by seeking assistance around the house. Enlisting your childrens help sorting socks and putting away clean dishes sets the framework for other sorting and organizing activities.

Granted, not everyone is born organized but dont discount your childs natural tendencies. Just because she approaches things in a different way than you dont assume she isnt organized. Chances are good your organizing system and any natural systems your children will develop may not match yours. For instance, your child may prefer to organize her closet by color where you prefer to organize by item (e.g. short sleeve shirts in one spot, long sleeve shirts in another).

One of the best ways of encouraging organization in your kids is to hold family meetings on a regular basis. Use the meeting to discuss whats working and whats not. Its also the perfect opportunity to set priorities and talk about future plans and goals. Touching base at the start of the week may be all thats needed to keep on top of everyones projects and commitments. Another benefit to the family meeting is that children get to see just how everyones needs can be meet with a little organizational give and take.