With school out for the summer it is only a matter of time before the dreaded words, “I’m bored” echo throughout the home. We know that behavioural patterns established in childhood will continue into adulthood, so why not involve your kids in the never-ending need to sort and organize their space?

Here are some suggestions to engage your kids in the art of letting go:

• Pick up some poster board and glue sticks and have your kids create a collage. This is a great option for those photos which have never made it to the album because now they can be displayed and appreciated on a daily basis. Tearing photos (as opposed to using scissors) makes for a cool effect.
• Purchase some large envelopes and get your kids to send pieces of art work to grandparents, aunts and uncles. Teach them how to properly address envelopes and perhaps add a sticker or two to brighten it up. Have them go to the post office with you to affix the proper postage and off they go. It makes for a refreshing change from email.
• Educate your children about families that are truly in need. Give them a medium sized box and ask them to fill it with any clothes that no longer fit or have gone out of style. Toys are an option too, especially ones that they no longer play with. Make a point of driving to the local church or thrift store to drop it off, explaining that some children aren’t as fortunate and will really appreciate the items.
• Do the same for books which they have outgrown. Take a box of old books to your local library or perhaps a consignment store. It may be a way for kids to earn some money back or accumulate credits to buy some new titles.

Remember that kids will follow your example, so don’t expect them to part with any objects unless they see that you, too, are letting things go. Just like you have a bin for recycling, have a donation box so that you and your family can get in the habit of purging on a regular basis.

Finally, limit the amount of television that your children watch. Go to the beach, cycle to the park and fly a kite. By minimizing the number of commercials that they view, you will also reduce the amount of nagging that occurs for the latest toy or fad.