When I started helping folks get organized, way back in 1998, and when I started leading parenting classes in 2006, never did I think these two things were connected. I organized so I could stay home with the kids and to be honest, I still get a thrill from cleaning out a spatula drawer. Don't judge me until you try it. Every time you open that kitchen drawer (for a few months at least), your heart sings like an angel.

I started leading parenting classes because I found while leading classes I was a firmer and friendlier parent (not too strict, not too wishy washy). I remembered to train children, I remembered to listen to children, I remembered not to try to teach in the heat of an angry moment. I remembered I didn't have to be perfect, I just had to show up and try and laugh and encourage (both the kids, and myself).

Now, almost 17 years later, I see the connection, I live the connection. When I want the house neater, I work on the relationship, I train in a task, I listen, I watch a favorite YouTube video they love. When I feel the relationship straining, I declutter my desk, their cubby, our calendar and often times a surge of positive feelings flow through the newly opened and de-cluttered space. Magic!