One of the biggest critiques that people had of the KonMari method, the “life-changing” tidying technique coined by purging guru Marie Kondo, is that doesn’t really work if you have kids.
Photo: Emily May/Flickr
“No matter how perfectly folded my socks are — no matter how minimal my bookshelf is — I’m going to be stepping in play-dough pies and LEGO towns after every playdate,” wrote one mum.
“Putting away KonMari style clothing packets like little books on a shelf is a skill beyond my kids’ abilities,” expressed another.
“Clearly Kondo has never flown through the door at 6:30PM to a toddler throwing a tantrum, or three children who are sooooo hungry for dinner but need to wait a little longer until you’re done thanking your purse,” this parent shared.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/12/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up-mind-hacking-advice-for-living-clutter-free/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/pqxccotnuhittd8ia9qn.jpg” title=”The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: Mind-Hacking Advice For Living Clutter Free” excerpt=”Japanese organising consultant Marie Kondo set off a decluttering craze across the world with her pocket-sized book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. After reading the book, it’s easy to see why. This book can transform the way you see your possessions.”]
Just wait until Kondo herself becomes a parent, people thought, judgingly. Let’s just see how tidy she’ll be.
Turns out, still tidy! The Wall Street Journal caught up with the decluttering star, who now has two babies. And yes, her older daughter, two-year-old Satsuki, is already following in her mama’s (very clean) footsteps.
“I was surprised to see her putting books, stuffed animals and toys for playing house back in their place more precisely than I expected,” says the proud mother. “She is also trying to copy me folding clothes, though I secretly fix them when she’s not looking.”
Since writing the bestselling phenomenon The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo now offers some modifications for families.
- Busy parents can start organising in stages — say, starting with just shirts — instead of taking on their entire closet all at once.
- Decide how much space you can give to your children, and make sure they know which space is theirs. This keeps your entire house from becoming Kidland.
- It’s never too early to be tidy: “Learning to clean up is part of growing up.”
Should You Kondo Your Kids? [The Wall Street Journal]
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