Doesn’t it seem like kids are just destined to lose their belongings? School lost and found bins all over the country are typically chock full of shirts, shoes, and more just a few weeks into school year, all because kids keep losing things. Often these items are never claimed, and the items are never returned to their owner. Luckily, there are ways to help children stop losing things and to make sure your child’s items stay safe and out of the lost and found bin. Look below at 6 tips for keeping your child’s belongings out of the lost and found, so you can enjoy school clothing and supplies that last and stop throwing your money away.
How to Help Children Stop Losing Things
- Pull out the fabric markers.
Many times people write the names of their child on the clothing label, but if you don’t use a fabric marker it may not last and the item may end up in the lost and found anyway. A fabric marker will live through wash after wash and not fade, which is why it is a better choice than a permanent marker. Be sure you press firmly and go over the name twice to be sure it takes.
- Write a mini checklist in your child’s lunch box.
On the inside of your child’s lunch box make a simple checklist so all of your lunch supplies come home. The list can be as simple as lunch box, containers, silverware, thermos. This way your child can glance at it and make sure all of those items are back in their box.
- Get creative with shoes.
Shoes are one of the items that tend to end up in the lost and found. There are several ways you can tag your child’s shoes so they are quickly returned if lost. Use fabric markers on the inside of the shoe. You can also scratch initials into the rubber sole with a pin. Last but not least, you can attach as mall tag to the shoe laces. For younger kids you can make this look decorative but in all reality it is really their initials.
- Make your markings visible.
Many times items are marked with a child’s name, it is just that no one takes the time to dig for the name. Be sure your markings are clearly visible in case the item ends up in the lost and found. If you can order athletic gear with your child’s name on it, do it. Cover the entire neck tag with your child’s name. If there is no tag, just write directly on the inside neck with a fabric marker.
- Attach tags to zippers.
You can make simple hang tags to hang on coat zippers so your child doesn’t look his or her coat. You can even make your own tags with a zip tie or safety pin and just attach it to the zipper. This is an easy way to identify coats and keep your child’s out of the loss and found.
- If all else fails, make a habit to check the lost and found each month.
If none of the above seem to work, get into the habit of checking the lost and found weekly. You might find items you didn’t even realize were gone. This doesn’t need to be just the responsibility of the parent. In fact, this can be a task you give your child to do each week.
Is a school year free from losing things possible? It is! Consider these 6 tips for keeping your child’s belongings out of the lost and found and see how easy it can be to keep your belongings safe.
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