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12 Tips for helping disorganized children


Time to organize

If your child suffers with poor planning abilities, impulsive behavior and disorganization, the following tips will help them, and you, to stay patient.

Tip 1 : Set times for homework

Set times for homework. By setting "chunks" of time for each assignment (this could be quarter or half hour slots), it enables your child to stay fresh and not get too bored with doing the same piece of work for long periods. Make sure you know which assignments have to be handed in the soonest though and ensure they concentrate on them first.

Tip 2 : Make lists


Tip 3 : Prepare the night before


Tip 4 : Create a homework area

Set a position in their room for homework. Ensure they have a desk or some sort of flat surface where they can do their work. (Although this can be anywhere in the house, it doesn't have to be in the bedroom). Keep plenty of pans and pencils available for them to lay their hands on at all times.

Tip 5 : Leave notes


Tip 6 : Catalogue


Tip 7 : Provide storage


Tip 8 : Clean out the junk

Children like these usually have bedrooms which look like they have been burgled. So to keep the mess at least manageable, every week have a mining session. Usually their drawers (and often the floor) are full of small pieces of rubbish, sweet wrappers, broken Lego, pens without tops etc. So when this is the case, take the drawers (crate, box or bag) and tip everything out onto some large sheets of newspaper. Then 'mine' all the useful items and put them in a container. Everything that is left stays on the newspaper. This is then wrapped up and put straight into the bin!

Tip 9 : Regulate mealtimes

Try to keep mealtimes to round about the same times every day. This establishes routine and makes children secure in knowing that things will happen the same every day. The same goes for bedtimes. Keep turning in to the same time every night.

Tip 10 : Use a family calendar

Always use, so therefore encouraging your children to use, a calendar for your commitments and any family birthdays or anniversaries. Wall planners are good as you can see at a glance what you have planned without having to flick through pages.

Tip 11 : Use gentle reminders


Tip 12 : Encourage and reward



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