Broken toys, school papers, old clothes, objects from outside, wrappers, and similar items are often among a child’s hoard. Some of these objects may have sentimental value, but most of these objects are random.
The child may throw a fit if asked to get rid of some of their stuff. They may start screaming, crying, or yelling when told to throw away something. The child may become violent, especially if an object was thrown away when they were not there.
This attachment may disrupt their daily lives.
Sometimes, this looks like normal child messiness. If you notice disorganization in your child’s room, look for other symptoms.
For example, when your child throws away an item, you can let them choose whatever they want for dinner. If they go all week without bringing new items home, let them do something special that weekend, like go to a movie or do a favorite activity.
For example, if your child has items stuffed under the bed, in a corner, and in the closet, start by saying the child cannot place items under the bed. Also, add the rule that they cannot increase how many items are in the corner or in the closet. Giving your child limits on the spaces helps them to not just stack things from under the bed and in the closet. Continue narrowing the areas and discarding toys. You may want to start by telling your child they can only display items on their bookshelf and desk. Make sure to place limits on how much they can display so they don’t stuff clutter into those spaces.
This technique helps your child learn skills to assess what is worth keeping. They also get practice with getting rid of items, which is important to combat hoarding behavior.
The trash box should be for broken and random items. Keep should be things your child cannot get rid of. At first, the choices may not make sense to you, but let them choose what they want to keep. Objects in the charity box should be things that are in good enough shape to donate. Always collect and sort your items before deciding what to keep and throw out. [9] X Expert Source Ashley Moon, MAProfessional Organizer Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.
Make it a point to toss out unneeded things in your home every month or two. Make it obvious. You may want to say, “Today we are going through the kitchen to toss any unneeded dishes,” “I’m going to get rid of old magazines and junk mail today,” or “This weekend, I’m going to go through my unused clothes and donate them to charity. " Include your child in these activities. For example, you may say, “We’re going to go through the shelves in the living room. Help me decide what books and DVDs we should get rid of. " You can even set limits. Tell your child, “We must get rid of five dishes” or “We must get rid of seven pieces of clothing. "
Make sure you choose a therapist who has experience with hoarding. You can ask your pediatrician for referrals to a child therapist. You also can search online for therapists in your area.
In CBT, the child will explore why they feel the need to hoard. CBT helps the child figure out ways to assess which objects they should keep and which they should give away. They will also work on ways to modify their behavior so they can get rid of objects without too much distress.
Medication does not always help with hoarding behavior. You may consider behavioral therapy before medication.
