Kid-Friendly Way to Organize Kid Dishes

 

With 4 kids, the amount of times someone needs a drink is too many to count. Someone is always thirsty and they have a strong opinion on their glass type and color, amen?   So, I asked myself this question –

Is there a spot in the kitchen that the kids can easily access and can store their dishes? 

Why Set Up A Simple Kid Dishes Organization System?

Setting up an organizational system to promote independence in the kitchen is important for two reasons.

 1.  They can get their own dishes.

2.  They can help with household chores.  

My kids have a few daily chores and that includes setting and clearing the table as well as unloading the dishwasher.  In order to do that successfully, their dishes had to be accessible so they could independently take care of the tasks.

 

Lets’ Get Started Organizing Kid’s Dishes…

Declutter First

Before determining a spot, first stop and declutter.  Read more about my decluttering strategies to overcome those excuses that might be running through your head right now.  Keep what you need and get rid of the excess.

Find a Logical, Accessible Spot

In our home, we have a kitchen island with a couple of large drawers.  The bottom drawer was a perfect place to store all the plastic dishes, glasses and water bottles my kids used.  In addition, I placed the kid silverware in the front of a drawer where they could easily see and grab what they needed.  Now, not only our own kids, but our tiniest guests know what to do when they are thirsty.

Just in case you have spills from said cups, the middle drawer houses all of our towels so they can quickly run and find a towel when (not if) needed.

Teach Your Children How to Use It

This is a HUGE step that parents often overlook and wonder why the organizational system is not working.  When you create a new system, it’s important to show and model what you want children to do.  

 

 

Speaking of Chores…

What Do Kitchen Chores Look Like at Your House?

When they set the table, I usually set out the adult plates and glasses they will need on the counter.  They grab their own dishes, fill all the glasses with water and add napkins (or folded up paper towels 😉 to the table.  When we are finished with dinner, they know to put their dishes by the sink,  push in their chairs and wash their hands before dashing off to play!  Once they learned the routine, it became second nature to them, most of the time ;)!

When they unload the dishwasher, they stack anything that they can’t reach on to the counter right below where it belongs.  Then, all I have to do is open the cabinet and quickly put the item away to finish the job.  Lucy (2) happily assists with the silverware and kids dishes.  I always make sure to grab anything sharp and stow that before they begin!

Our favorite Kid Dishes…

Plates, Bowls & Silverware

Picky Eater Rewards Plate

 

Need Some Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas?

Read this post for more of our favorite kid lunches

 

 

Until next time keep on keeping on with a simple purposeful life!

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