How many toys and clothes and shoes do our kids really need?

Do you ever look at your home and stuff and realize that you have WAY too much? I do it, often, unfortunately. I know that we have way more than we need. Clearing clutter can clear our minds and help us be more grateful.

I want my children to be grateful for what they have been given, not wanting more all the time. We've worked at teaching them the characteristic of being grateful, but often times we need to teach it through our own examples. If our children see us giving our own things to others, they will desire to do the same. I think my husband is such a good example to our kids of this -- he is very generous with things, time, and his gifts.

I want to encourage you with this upcoming "season of giving" to be mindful to teach your children to be thankful for what they have by giving some of it up and by taking care of the home they have. Oftentimes I get emails from moms wondering how they can get their teenager or the little child to clean up after themselves, put things away, or get others in the house to maintain the home the way it should be {be grateful, obedient, and respectful}.

I admit that teaching my kids to clean up after themselves and put things back "where they belong" {not where it's convenient, which could be the floor} is something I have to daily instill in them and it can be a lot of work. Reminding and giving consequences for not doing it has been what has helped my children to be much more consistent with this area of their lives. I have a feeling that if there were consequences great enough for most children, they wouldn't "forget" where it went or that it had to be put away.

Clearing Clutter in Your Home

I challenge you and your family to take a thorough look at your home, rooms, garage {and basement} and start clearing clutter that others could use or that you really don't need. NEED. Be an example to your children and give things to others. A couple of ladies from church started a freecycle group about four years ago. It's through Yahoo Groups and members from our church {and regular attenders only} can sign up to receive the emails. People post their things on there that are needed or given away for free.

The church even gave us a spot so we can leave our items with the person's name on it who it's intended for. It's an amazing ministry. It's been such a blessing to hear others list that they needed something and then another person had it laying around in their garage not needed and filled that need - for FREE! One year I even organized a Ladies’ Boutique in my home where anyone was welcome to come and get clothing and accessories for FREE. What a blessing it was to see so many ladies and teenage girls benefit from this.

Are you setting a good example in this area? How are you teaching your children to be grateful?

Blessings,

Becky, Organizing Made Fun