Help Your Teen Build Better Habits: A Guide to Staying Organized

I originally wrote a post on this topic in Spring '22 and have since taught more classes for National Charity League, private group classes, along with having a high school daughter of my own. This is an updated version that I hope you can glean a few tips from…

Organizing and productivity go hand in hand: getting and staying organized naturally increase your overall productivity. With that in mind, I’ve broken down a few habits that teens can incorporate into their lives to combat (a little?) stress and feelings of overwhelm.

Think macro then micro: have your teen take a look at the month ahead at the beginning of a new month - think games/practices, tests, parties, etc. I then advise looking at the week each Sunday afternoon or evening, taking note of any upcoming school supplies, gifts, or special items needed. As a parent, I know what it’s like for your teen to urgently need (insert item here) for a school assignment due TOMORROW! If they get into the habit of looking ahead, you can hopefully eliminate these scenarios. 

Note: Studies have shown that physically writing lists and appointments on paper commits them more to memory than typing on an online calendar.

Have your teen start their day off with success by how they end the night before: have your clothes/uniforms ready along with any special books or items needed before you go to bed, this helps to eliminate the last minute rush out the door. I also advise tidying up (a little) before they leave the house and making their bed. Our physical environments greatly affect our mental energy; coming home after a long day to a tidy room can affect mood and potential study habits, it certainly can’t hurt!

Lead by example, at least as much as you can. I find that when I have a basic framework of what my week will look like, I feel a sense of peace and control. If you’re up for it, take a look at my post on meal planning/grocery shopping, it helps! Last but not least, celebrate their wins, no matter how small; habits take time to “stick”.

Praise them on a job well done, ask questions about what changes in their habits have helped and what hasn’t. Maybe they will come up with some solutions on their own. Getting them involved and having them take some ownership in the process boosts their enthusiasm and success in the long run and that’s a win!