I realize that my kids were not hanging up their coats and backpacks. The solution was to hang a rack that is at their height. They were happy to hang up their coats and backpacks. They know that is where their coats and backpacks belong.
I am happy they hung up their coats. They are happy there is a place for them. Kids are not opposed to taking care of what needs to be done. They just need a little direction and instruction. They are capable of many tasks.
What they need to know is that they matter. There is a short rack just for them. Sometimes we overlook the kids. When we are busy with our day to day tasks we forget what it what like to be looking for the short rack, to hang our coats on.