Are you afraid to go in there?

Relax! Closet organizing is not just a topic for adults. After all, if you could get your child to keep her closet organized, you could get her to...rule the world. See? This is good stuff.

Successful closet organizing for your child is based on the same ideas you would use in your own closet.

-- Everything has its place.

-- Everything is accessible.

-- Get rid of what you don't use.

-- Use tools and accessories to prevent clutter.

For maximum effectiveness, I suggest you organize your closet with your child working alongside you. While you have the final say in all decisions, a child that has some input will bring cooperation to the process and undoubtedly will have some vital pieces of information to contribute.

Your child needs to tell you how she likes to use her closet. Lots of hanging clothes? Toys stored in the closet? Need more shelving? Tiny items that need to be sorted?

If your young sweetie can't see the point in this domestic exercise, you can try pointing out that an organized closet will save him time and energy. But, at the end of the day, you may simply have to play the Big Card.

"Because I said so", is the parent's reason of choice and always plays well with "the buck stops here".

Once that's settled, here are the quick steps to use during this closet organizing session with your child.

1. Take a good long look.

The first step is to open those closet doors wide and see what's really in there. Can't see the back or the floor? Then everything should come out.

Yes, this is the part of the process for the strong and the mighty. Steel yourself. Unclaimed food nestled in the back corner of the closet will NOT make you and your child feel closer.

2. Get rid of what's broken, moldy, out-of-date, or no longer used or wanted.

As always, recycle usable items to a local charity. Be sure and include your child in this important step of community involvement.

3. Assess what's left.

This is where you both decide what needs to get hung up, folded and shelved, put in bins and baskets, or archived to a better place.

4. Make a list and shop for the organizing accessories you need. Together.

Or use cardboard boxes and customize (including decorating) to your kiddo's satisfaction. This is the fun part!

5. Put everything in its place.

You are not done with your closet organizing until EVERYTHING has a place. Everything. Period.

6. Allot ten minutes a day to KEEP everything in its place in this newly organized closet.

This is the crucial step. If you don't enforce this, you might as well not even start in the first place. The truth is, this part is called 'discipline' and most kids aren't born with any. But they need it and you can teach it to them. You'll find this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.

If necessary (and it probably will be), your child may need help seeing the value of keeping their closet in perfect working order.

-- Do they like to socialize with their friends?

Then they put in their ten minutes (or thirty seconds if they get practiced) of clean-up time every day.

-- Do they enjoy some free time?

Have they done their ten minutes?

-- Do they look forward to other privileges?

Is everything in its place each and every day?

This is simply a new habit and like all habits, takes a bit of time and practice to master. Give your child the opportunity to feel terrific about themselves by tackling a closet organizing session with them. It may just inspire you to go take a peek in your own closets!