How Do I Teach My Kids to Keep Track of Their Stuff?

I'm a member of www.FLYlady.com, which really helps me keep my house clean and keep routines and have a healthy attitude towards it all. It's geared towards adults getting their homes and lives in order, but she provides a "control journal" for children to keep track of their homework, chores, etc, on their own without their parents nagging, which might really help. Kids (and husbands!) automatically resist us when we're telling them what to do, even if it's for their own good. The student control journal helps them stay organized and establish routines. Here's the link to the control journal: http://www.flylady.net/images/student_CJ.pdf

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At home I have a collapsable mesh box that my daughter puts all of her school stuff in... backpack, folder, sunglasses, water bottle... these are items that are only used for school. She has separate water bottle and sunglasses to use outside of school. Right when we walk in the door, she puts all of her things into the mesh box, has her snack, then will do her homework and put everything back when she is done.

As for keeping track of those items at school, I take my daughter to a charter school so I pick her up and can remind her to get the items... but she has gotten so used to me saying "Do you have your water bottle" that she automatically gets it.

Hi - just like you they need a place in the Full site to put their Everyday stuff - Like a Hall table, etc - make it their height and even a basket or Cubby, etc - like they have at school! Or even out it next to your Place where your purse, keys, glasses, etc goes.

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That's easy - no sun glasses & water bottles - no computer games for the day!

I purchased several of the safe type water bottles and my kids won't even use them now. They don't like having to lug the bottle around when it's empty. I recommend buying the throw away kind until they get a little older. It may be a little pricier but may cut out some of the frustration. I think some of the responsibility come with personality and age. Maybe just explain to him how important it is to keep care of his eyes - that you care about him and want him to be protected from the sun. Honestly though, my kids would not wear them at that age. I just stopped wasting my money. They are 16, 14, & 13 and have just started in the last year or so.

Take care, I'm afraid I'm probably not that much help,
K.