I wasn't raised in "the borg" but I was raised by a mother who had NO clue that kids would be kids. My kids are now 21, 17 and 14...the best advice I can give is...just let them be kids, with all the goofiness, disorganization, mess, clutter, spilt milk, etc. that kids at those ages can create.
I grew up in a very regimented atmosphere...and I guess I've rebelled against it. My kids were/are raised as essentially free spirits...very few rules, however those 2 or 3 are set in stone...basically, respect for yourself and others is the overarching thing in our home.
Kids are great...enjoy the imagination...give them all sorts of opportunities to indulge it.
TB