In Nebraska, we all know the weather can change in a minute. We’ve all heard the saying “If you don’t like the weather today, wait till tomorrow.” And now that Cohen is in school and walking to his daycare after school, what he wears matters. It’s all about layers. But many of those layers don’t make it home from school!
When Belongings Don’t Come Home with Your Child
I’ve been sending Cohen to school with either a sweatshirt or jacket. That way, he can put it on when he’s cold and take it off when he’s hot. But somehow, his sweatshirts and jackets seem to go missing and never return home. He either leaves them at school somewhere or at daycare.
We are running out of sweatshirts and jackets. I’ve tried putting his name and phone number on the tag saying “Please return to Cohen Connelly” or “Call [our number].” But that hasn’t seemed to work. I don’t want to punish him for being forgetful, but at some point, he needs to take responsibility for his things.
Cohen is only five, and he still needs a lot of guidance, so if he forgets something at school, I need to remember that it’s okay, but it’s also not my job to run back and get it for him. This is also true with homework. It will teach him responsibility.
So instead of rushing out to the store to replace a lost item, there should be a consequence. When Cohen lost his new sweatshirt, instead of yelling at him, I made him dip into his piggy bank to replace it.
While some children are just naturally better than others at keeping track of their belongings, I want to help my son be successful. My solution? A consistent routine and daily reminders.
How a Consistent Routine and Daily Reminders Help
This is great, not only with clothing, but also with homework, a lunchbox and other items. I try not to nag or lecture him too much. Instead, I like to encourage him and remind him daily of the things he needs to remember to bring home. His teacher and daycare provider are also really great and trying to help him remember certain things.
Our routine has changed a lot since the first day of school. We end our weekends by planning our week ahead. Cohen and I sit down together and plan out his clothes for the week, go over his calendar of events, talk about what days he’ll take cold lunch and make sure he’s prepared for the week.
It was easier for him to make a list. It’s similar to his chore chart where he can put a sticker next to each item he has finished. From brushing his teeth to choosing his clothes for the week, lunchbox, jacket, homework and more. I had him demonstrate each task and allowed him to ask questions and for help.
We refer to the routine chart often. When he knows what to do and when to do it, it cuts down on my nagging. It makes him feel like he’s a part of things and more responsible. And our morning and bedtime routines have become a whole lot easier!
How do you teach your kids to take responsibility for their things? Share with us in the comments below!
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesn’t end, but rather just begins. It’s a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
