Move Aside Clutter - Productivity Coming Through!
Imagine…
You pick up your child from school and head to an indoor playground nearby. As you walk in, their eyes light up as they see all of the exciting activities this place has to offer. From the giant slide and trampoline pit to the bounce house and rock-climbing wall, their focus is on everything around them. Now, imagine trying to sit down your child at a table...to do homework. Yes, that’s right..homework... in the middle of all the action. Your child is unlikely to focus.
That exciting environment is very similar to what they may experience at home or in other environments you’re currently trying to focus on, whether there’s a crowded desk with gadgets or soccer balls crowding a corner.
There is nothing more distracting than the things around us when we are trying to get stuff done. Plainly said, when our environment is filled with things we do not need, it can hinder our productivity and focus. When we free the clutter from the physical space around us, we can clear the clutter of our minds. Imagine that: less mess, less stress.
Guess what !? You don’t have to imagine it, this can be your reality. Instead of jumping in and sharing a full-blown guide on decluttering all aspects of life, let’s start with something simple: your child’s workspace.
Where does your child do their homework (for the most part)? Whether it be at home, a local library or at an after-school program, it is important that your child has a place to get their work done and the right state of mind to do so with clarity and focus.
Here are three tips for setting up your child’s workspace:
Less is more. Create a space that does not have lots of “stuff”. For example, if they do most of their homework at the family table, try to clear off half of the table of the “usual stuff” so they have space for their materials/HW set up. It doesn’t have to be perfect, there is such thing as an organized mess, but we’ll get to that another day.
As Marie Kondo , only keep things that bring you joy. In this instance, pair joy with utility by keeping what’s relevant in this workspace. Take a look at the things around the workspace that may make your child happy. Ask yourself if the item also has a utility that will provide clarity, or serve as a resource or tool when your child is learning. This may also be a good time to discuss the items with your child--depending on their age--to gauge if it’s something they should keep, give away, or move to another area that will not distract them from being productive.
Keep in mind that there are items that may provide utility, or environments that are convenient, but are more distracting than helpful. In the moment it may feel difficult to remove the item, or move locations, but finding something comfortable that works in the short term will lay a foundation for the long term.
Here’s a quick list of things you can ask yourself to declutter your child’s area:
Is My Workspace….
Clear of all distractions?
Prepared with the items required to focus, such as tools or resources, folders, pencils, or other necessities?
In a quiet area that I can focus on homework?
Near natural light, or if not available, well lit?
Spacious enough for all of the stuff I need to get my work done?
Comfortable? Not too comfortable but comfortable enough (seating, lighting etc)
The right location? Should I consider a different room in my home, or a different location in entirety?
Taking a few minutes to proactively think about your child’s workspace may help your child be more focused, productive, and effective in their studies and learning journey.
Now that you’ve read about how you can help your child be more productive through their workspace, learn about how you can teach your child that it’s okay to ask for help.