Comments on: Ask The OrganizerHow to Help Teens Get Organized

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:35:57 +0000

That’s about the worst advice I’ve ever read!

Culminating with, “I’d rather be my daughter’s friend, than….” what? Be her parent? Teach her to be responsible? Typical modern parenting advice, to base our decisions on “how we feel” rather than teach our children life lessons.

By: Karen Wallace

Karen Wallace — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 11:08:16 +0000

As the mother of a 16 yo son, and a 13 yo daughter (and the 8 yo, but he’s still at that delightful age!) I can relate so well to this! Thank you.

I have left my daughter to her own devices sooo long, whilst secretly (and not so secretly) despairing of her mess… then a couple of weeks ago she wanted to have a friend over – and I told her Yes, if you’re room is tidy! Voila! AND it’s been ‘almost’ door-openable ever since!!

My 16yo son, however, is another matter. He’s been a tidy boy for years now, puts me to shame with his wardrobe clean outs (clothes dont fit? out they go! Toys outgrown? into little brothers room!) HOW did I breed THIS one?? He MUST be his Father’s son – and if that is the case, then it really IS all in the gene’s!!!

Thanks Jessica for sharing this with us all – and thanks Susan and Janice for inviting her.

By: e-Mom

e-Mom — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 05:09:19 +0000

Wonderful and timely advice. I’m going to link to you tonight. Thanks!

By: eph2810

eph2810 — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 06:20:13 +0000

I have to totally agree. When I was nagging our son to keep his room clean, he didn’t hear me. Than I just gave up. I let him be, have his dirty cloth in the hamper (at least he did that) and the rest was his responsibility ~ with his door closed. It came to the point when he wanted to have friends over and he started to pick-up. Now, he still lives at home, he is 21 and he even cleans his own bathroom…No nagging was for us the best solution.

By: Mira

Mira — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 03:56:39 +0000

Thanks Jessica. I am going to try to implement some of your strategies (especially the closed door) and see if I can reduce MY level of stress. I believe you are probably right in that she may never outgrow this until she has a place of her own, I guess at this point the best I can hope for is to set a reasonable example of tidiness and just go from there. Thanks for answering my question.

By: Tasra Dawson

Tasra Dawson — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 01:18:13 +0000

Excellent advice. It’s so easy to forget that some things just aren’t worth the battle and others are. A messy room falls pretty low on the list…thanks for the reminder.

By: Meg

Meg — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:15:49 +0000

Ditto Janice, although my mom isn’t the one I wish for… she’s a little more uh, challenged than I am in this area… not a good thing! I need a pro, for sure.
Great stuff!
Meg
Career Mom Radio

By: gr8face

gr8face — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 01:25:50 +0000

I know what I’m getting my nieces for Christmas. Thanks!

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:45:09 +0000

I am fairly new to blogging, and this is my first visit to your blog. What an amazing site!! You have so much to offer. I’ll have to spend a little time getting caught up.

By: Susanne

Susanne — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:42:03 +0000

Wow, this really helps me out a lot! I fall into the category of being very frustrated with the messy rooms. I’m going to give that closed door policy a try. Wish me luck!

By: Ariane from NeatLiving.Net

Ariane from NeatLiving.Net — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 12:54:26 +0000

Great Article Jessica!!! Bravo!!!!

By: Janice

Janice — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 05:05:59 +0000

Wow – Jessica that was great! You included some really helpful information.

I like how you highlight how overwhelming cleaning a room can be. Where does a teen start? I am an adult and I still want to sit down and cry and call my mom to come help me when I face a huge organizing mess. Organizing isn’t my gifting and I get overwhelmed. But I know from experience I just have to pick a few task to start with and get moving. A teen may not be able to do that.

BUT as you pointed out – we can’t just come in and do it for them because a) they won’t learn and b) they don’t care when they mess it up cause they know you will come clean it up again.

So helpful – and thanks for all the extra links and tips too!