Oh how we would all love it if our kids naturally took good care of their things. But as usual, this is a skill that children need to learn.
Teaching children to respect and care for their possessions not only instills a sense of responsibility, but also helps them develop organizational skills and respect for the things they have. Here are three effective ways to guide your child in this essential skill:
1. Lead by Example
Children often learn best by observing the behavior of adults around them, especially their parents. As such, one of the most powerful ways to teach your child to take care of their things is to model this behavior yourself.
Show them how you handle your belongings with care and respect. Some of your actions that can serve as an example to them:
- Putting away your shoes neatly
- Folding clothes before putting them in drawers
- Cleaning up after using tools or equipment
Another great tip: narrate your actions as you go about organizing or tidying up! Explain why it’s important to keep things in good condition. For example, you might say, “I’m putting my books back on the shelf so they don’t get damaged. When we take care of our things, they last longer and we can enjoy them more.”
2. Give Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations is key to helping children understand what is required of them. Create simple rules and routines around taking care of their things, and communicate these expectations clearly and consistently.
Whenever you can, involve your child in creating these rules and routines. Having their buy-in is key! Ask for their input on where certain items should be stored, or how supplies should be organized. Together, designate specific places for toys, books, and clothes, and encourage your child to put each item back in its place after they use it. This collaboration helps children to take initiative in caring for their possessions.
Once expectations are set, use positive reinforcement to motivate your child to follow these expectations! Praise them when they remember to hang up their coat or empty out their lunchbox. Reinforcing positive behavior encourages children to continue practicing good habits.
3. Teach Cause and Effect
This month’s Teach Me How resource is all about teaching kids that there are consequences for taking care of our things, both good and bad! This resource is perfect if you would like to teach your children:
- To clean up after themselves
- To take good care of the things that are theirs, so they don’t get broken or lost
- And that every choice has a consequence, good or bad!
The whole resource is pirate themed, and it’s called, “Take Care of Yer Treasures: Learning How to Be Responsible for the Things That Belong to You.” Included is a board game called “Treasure Island,” where children need to work together to earn dubloons and get all players to the pirate ship. Players earn dubloons if they have taken care of their things during the day, or they perform actions to do so during the game itself.
And there’s more! You will love the printable “choose your own adventure” book, where kiddos get to choose if Cora takes care of her things throughout the day. For example, should she put her toothbrush back where it goes, or leave it on the counter? (spoiler alert: her baby sister will throw it in the toilet if she leaves it out!)
Your little buccaneers will be working as a crew to take care of their stuff throughout the whole lesson. What’s more, teaching them about the cause and effect of their choices will help them take care of their things on their own in the future. Get it today for only $6!
If you are looking for other resources to teach your children skills, you might like these items in the Print Shop: