Organization: Why some kids can't get it together
- Christian Sims
- May 2, 2016
- 2 min read
As I attempted for the umpteenth time to “help” my oldest daughter (now 11) with her organizational skills, she muttered under her breath, “I hate being organized.” I was crushed. When my lecturing ceased about why it was important to learn organizational skills, I thought, “Why is this so complicated? And what’s wrong with wanting to have your things look like Martha Stewart paid a visit to your home?” I have come to realize that, despite my daughter’s disdain for a skill that I find enjoyable, the reason she hates being organized is primarily because it is really difficult for her to get organized and stay that way. It’s challenging for her to keep track of time, things, and information. She, like many other kids in elementary, middle, and high school, struggles with executive functioning (EF) skills.
Children who find organization and time management difficult usually have weaknesses in their executive functioning skills. These are mental skills that allow us to plan, prioritize, pay attention, organize, memorize, and initiate tasks. Children with learning and attention issues (e.g., dyslexia or ADHD) often have deficits in their EF skills. Although 1/3 of those diagnosed with ADHD have EF weaknesses, not all people with EF deficits have ADHD. Some common struggles for people with EF concerns are:
Setting goals
Estimating how long it will take to accomplish a task
Remembering when assignments are due
Cleaning up and organizing personal space
Getting to places/appointments on time
Designating and using a specific spot for important items
Returning to a task after being interrupted
Making decisions
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who struggles with organization by participating in a simulation from Understood.org.
On the same webpage, there are Children’s Stories that describe what it feels like to a child who is faced with particular challenges, both learning and attention related, from all different age ranges. For additional information about how to help children with organization and time management concerns, visit the following link:
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