Parenting Perspective 

Building Ownership through Involvement 

The most effective way to ensure that children actually use a storage system is to involve them in creating it. When children have a say in how their storage spaces are designed and organised, they feel a much greater sense of ownership and responsibility towards it. 

Begin by sitting down with your child and asking them what kind of storage would work best for them. For example, ask, “Where do you think your toys should go?” or “What would make it easier for you to keep your things tidy?” When children are part of the decision-making process, they become more invested in maintaining that order. 

The storage system must be both practical and accessible: 

• Keep things simple and within reach. For younger children, low shelves, bins, or baskets work well because they can easily place things in and take them out. 

• If your child has art supplies or books, let them decide on a special drawer or box just for those items. 

• Give them a visual system—such as colour-coded bins or clear drawers—to make the process easier to follow. 

When setting up the storage, ensure that it is not just a ‘dumping ground’ but a system that encourages true order. Label the boxes or drawers with pictures or words so your child knows precisely where everything belongs. This supports them in tidying up independently and builds a sense of routine and responsibility. A tidy room becomes an achievable goal, not a constant struggle. 

Make It Fun and Rewarding 

The key to encouraging use is to make the process enjoyable, rather than feeling like a chore. 

• Turn tidying into a game by setting small challenges, such as a “who can put their toys away fastest?” or “let us see how many things we can fit into this box!” 

• Praise your child’s efforts specifically: “You did an amazing job putting your books away all by yourself!” By making storage feel rewarding, you reinforce the importance of using the system. 

• Involve them in regular “storage checks” as part of a weekly routine: “Let us check our storage together and see if we need to move anything around.” When children feel like they are part of the maintenance process, they are more likely to engage with the storage system regularly. 

Spiritual Insight 

Orderliness Reflects Faith 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 269: 

‘He (Allah Almighty) grants wisdom to whoever He desires, and whoever has been granted such wisdom, then without any doubt, (he has been) granted that which is infinitely better; and no one continues to reflect on this except the people of deep (rational and logical) understanding.’ 

This verse connects wisdom with understanding and shows that clear thought and organisation lead to greater good. By involving a child in setting up their storage space, parents are not just teaching tidiness; they are teaching them the value of organisation, responsibility, and the beauty of simplicity ($\text{nizām}$). Creating a system that works for them helps them internalise the value of order, which is deeply valued in Islam. 

The Strength of Responsibility 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6114, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong person is not the one who is strong in physical strength, but the one who is strong in controlling himself during times of anger.’ 

This $\text{Hadith}$ $\text{Shareef}$ reflects the deeper strength found in self-control and discipline. When parents involve a child in creating a storage system and teach them to maintain it, they are helping them develop discipline—not just physical strength but the strength of character. This act of taking responsibility, keeping their space tidy, and maintaining order links directly to $\text{ihsan}$ (excellence) in Islam. By taking care of their belongings and respecting the spaces they inhabit, children begin to embody the values of discipline, respect, and responsibility that are fundamental to a faithful life.