Just Us Kids Online’s Blog

I’ve got a 7 year old who is an avid hoarder. Everthing to her is precious. Even her 5 year old sister’s arty creations, that wasn’t even given to her! She collects art work – ok, the art work she or whomever has done at school or home, rocks, and even bits of paper she thinks are interesting. Now, I think it is great that she is exploring her senses in creativity and curiousity with all these fascinating things, but there is a certain limit to everything. We can’t possibly keep EVERYTHING! Or else, I’d end up being on some current affair show – as reported by my neighbours for my child’s senseless hoarding!

Then, to make matters worse, I read an article from babycenter.com, informing me that it is NORMAL for a 7 year old to have “collections”. Yes, they call it collections – I call it HOARDING! To a 7 year old apparently, they can NEVER have too much of the same thing! These collections act as a source of pride and comfort to the child. HOORAY! More hoarding to look forward to. Luckily, the article also has some tips on how to curb these collections.

To encourage the child to keep their collection under control:

• provide shelves, baskets, or some kind of system to cut down clutter.

For this, I make sure she places the books she love on the bookshelves that we all share, instead of on the floor of her bedroom. The art work that she loves gets displayed in her room, which goes on rotation with the other ones that she has.

• invite the child to go through the collection to see what can be given away or thrown out.

I do this every week on a Sunday. It started off  going through the collection of paper and artwork she has, together. Now, she does it herself on a weekly basis.

• avoid adding to the collection yourself. Instead, have them “earn” the desired object through chores or with their allowance.

Now, I don’t believe in giving rewards for chores done – that is part of their responsibility being part of this family. Instead, each time she doesn’t whinge and does her chores willingly, she gets points, which goes towards purchasing a craft item.

So, if you have a child that hoards…I mean collects, then I hope some of these tips would help you. Now, I don’t have to throw some of her things out behind her back, she does it herself. I’m hoping this will last. Or else, I’ll end up with a hoarder, just like her grandparents!