The New Year has a way of inspiring a desire for a fresh start. Many families spend this time of year cleaning house and clearing out clutter. This can be a challenge with little ones – children are notorious collectors. Everything seems to carry importance and meaning for the young. That’s a quality we love about kiddos, but guiding them through the process of tidying can help them understand how to care for, and appreciate, their belongings.
Clearing away clutter isn’t about striving for a spotless home. It’s about creating space to spend more time together. By clearing out the items in our homes that no longer serve us, we remove the distractions that take us away from our families. Clutter not only makes a space look busy, but some studies show that it can disrupt focus, create overstimulation in the brain, and, for some, increase stress levels. For children, a tidier play space and fewer toys can provide added benefits such as enhanced creativity and deeper connections and appreciation for the toys around them.
You might not be able to convert your kiddos to minimalism, but you can get them involved in clearing out clutter and taking care of their toys. Involving them in the work will make the experience more rewarding – and help prevent frustrations. Try a few of these simple steps to get started!