HRM Parent Blog

It’s been almost a month since Christmas day, and I bet there are a few of you out there who are still trying to figure out what to do with all the new Christmas loot; all the extra dolls and trucks, art and craft supplies.  Maybe it has all made its way to the playroom, but you’re spending way too much time picking it up off the floor too often, all while wishing that your child could find a place to put their things and keep them tidy.  Sound like a familiar situation?  It’s a common one, and one that is on the list of most of my clients who are parents.   Here are some tips and solutions to get you on your way to building an organized home and teach your kids independence and responsibility at the same time.

1. This is the perfect time of year to teach your child about empathy and the importance of helping others.  Every year after Christmas and birthdays, I give my kids each a basket and have them go through their toys and fill it with things they don’t play with anymore and are still in good enough condition for another child to love.  They’re learning a wonderful lesson, and the bonus is that your house will remain uncluttered.

2. Implement systems that your child can maintain.  Don’t put their favourite games on the highest shelf that they can’t reach, or organize so precisely that they can’t figure out how to do it again (I admit that I’ve done this in the past – luckily my husband pointed it out!)  – i.e. Alphabetising books for a 3 year old – as long as she’s putting them on the shelf – you’re winning, no matter what order they’re in.

3. Use all the available space.  Space is invaluable in a child’s room.  Use the space under the bed.  Put boxes filled with toys on rollers and tuck them under the bed for all the function of a toy box without giving up the space.

4. LABEL IT – I love to label things!  It’s so easy to keep a system going if it’s clear to everyone at the beginning where things belong.  Make sure to use words AND pictures, so even the tiniest tots can feel proud of their great tidying up work. 

5. Organize up.  If you don’t have a ton of space, use your vertical space.  It can be as simple as a bookshelf with baskets, or a pegboard on the wall to hang small bins and jars.  Use all the space you have to keep your room clutter free.

6. A child’s bedroom closet is not just for clothes.  Closet organizers are especially great for a child’s bedroom (or any other room really).  Many bedroom closets have 2 swing doors.  Why not store all of their craft & art supplies on the back of the door with a shoe organizer like this one?  It has clear pouches so your child can see exactly what’s inside and it keeps everything in its own neat compartment; store scissors, glue, pencil crayons, markers, beads, pipe cleaners, etc.  Hang it the inside of the closet door and then everything can be tucked away out of sight.  A hanging closet organizer like this one is great for dolls and stuffies.  They all get a buddy or two to share a cubby with and all the dolls are tucked away and off the floor.

7. Make it portable.  This is key if you want to keep all of your child’s toys and belongings in their bedroom or playroom... but they love to hang out in the kitchen with you and draw while you cook supper.  Give them a basket with all their supplies so that they can bring it to another room for a short time and then put it away again when they’re finished.  Just make sure that it’s small enough for them to carry easily on their own.

8. Use whimsical storage containers.  Use cookie jars and old fashioned candy jars on the kitchen counter for crayons and art supplies.  If your kids are anything like mine, they want to do crafts all day long.  It’s great that they are so creative, but there can be constant clutter.  This is a super cute way to keep everything organized and accessible.

Remember when you’re finding solutions, don’t forget to ask the kids what they think.  If they’ve been involved in the planning, they’ll be more excited to carry it on, and hopefully pick up their own toys tomorrow, and all the days after!  Happy organizing!

Wendy Monaghan, Interior Decorator and owner of Link Interiors, creates homes where life and style co-exist with flare.   She believes that a functional space allows families to have more quality time together and that children and all of their stuff can live in a beautiful home.  She is the mother of 2 fabulous HRM girls, aged 7 & 4.  For more information or to contact Wendy, visit her website, www.linkinteriors.ca

* photos of crayon jar and under bed storage from, designer Holly Mathis

by Sarah W of HRM Parent 

Who doesn’t love a good snow day?  Growing up in Newfoundland, my childhood was blessed with more than few of them. I still remember anxiously waiting in my bed for the radio announcer to include my school in the list of closures, then snuggling back in for a little extra sleep.  It was even better if it landed on the day of a big test! 

To the working parent of course, snow days aren’t always met with as much excitement. Having to re-juggle the day, move meetings and keep the kids occupied.  But why not make the most of it and treat snow days like power outages?  Take a little break from the normal weekday routine and enjoy some unexpected family time to brighten up the week. 

To help you out, here a few ways to make your next snow day a little more fun: 

A backyard canvas: Snowmen are always fun but why not brighten up the backyard a little more?  Mix a few drops of food coloring to containers of water then give your little Picasso a big paintbrush and let him go.   There’s no better canvas than a yard full of bright white snow to let the imagination run wild. 

Snow Castles: Since you’re probably dreaming about the beach…try pretending you are for a moment, and create a snow castle. If  the beach toys aren’t handy, a quick search around the kitchen for plastic containers, an empty milk carton (with the tops cut off) and metal bowls will all do the trick to help build a castle fit for any little prince or princess.  For even more beach time fun, pull out the lawn chairs and kick back to enjoy your hot chocolate or blow up the beach balls for a game of catch in the snow! 

Ready Set, Snow: Stir up a little friendly family competition and create a backyard obstacle course for everyone to race through.  Pile mounds of snow around the yard to jump, crawl or slide over.  Making them different sizes and shapes, only adds to the fun.

The Classics: Don’t let the snow stop you from enjoying some of the good ‘ol fashioned outdoor games like tug-o-war, three legged race, potato sack, tag or a balloon toss…they will be harder in the snow but that’s what will make it all the more fun!  

So, when another snow days hit – bundle up the kids and enjoy!

Ask anyone who knows me and they would tell you that I am not a domestic person! I get grumpy about cleaning, tend to leave piles of things around the house, put off folding the laundry, and have never particularly enjoyed cooking. Chances are that you relate to some of these sentiments, too. But even though a June Cleaver or Martha Stewart I am not, I do know the importance of and work towards creating a home that is what I call “a soft place to fall.”