5 Ways to Help Your Child From Losing Things
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Having a child that loses things can be frustrating for not just the parents, but the child as well!
Here are 5 ways to help your child from losing things
1. Set Up A Routine
Setting up a routine helps a child know what to expect each day and encourages independence. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a strict schedule, but setting the tone each day so they know what to expect, is a great way to avoid confusion and distraction.
Having a routine will also produce a calmer and less chaotic environment so they remember to put their things up where they belong. Many times, it also helps kids to have a visual; you can download our free printable simple summer schedule here.
2. Label Everything
Labeling everything will help in the unfortunate event that something gets lost. Not to mention, if your child is in school, many kids can have similar or even the same items. Labeling with help prevent a mixup, or in the event that the item is lost help to retrieve it.
mynametags.com allows you to create your own personalized label with the child’s name, and you can even add a picture such as ballet slippers or a fun character such as hello kitty. They offer iron-on transfers which are great for clothes, and stick on labels which work great for school supplies and other items!
3. Create Designated Areas
My oldest daughter use to come in from school and throw her backpack off and take her shoes off and leave them in the middle of the floor. Now we have a designated spot for her things and she’s pretty good about putting them up although, I do have to remind her from time to time.
My younger two kids take a little more prompting, but are quickly learning. Having a designated spot for items helps the child feel more secure, and also helps teach them respect and responsibility for their belongings.
You can find lots of great of organizing items on Amazon or at many local stores such as toy storage bins, desk organizers, hanging wall organizers and more!
4. Prompt Them With Specific Questions
No one likes a nag, but as a parent or caregiver sometimes that’s our job. Offering helpful reminders such as, “Did you put your book in your backpack? or “Please remember to put your art supplies away when you are finished.” After a while, hopefully, they will start to ask the same questions and do it without prompts.
5. Make It Fun
We love fun silly songs at our house and it’s also a great learning tool! We love to sing the cleanup song from Daniel Tiger when we are picking up around the house. You could also try making up a fun song about items to remember or think of another fun way.
