This is a cool write up from Chris, Karri & Jen of The Smart Playrooms. The trio of moms shared some tips for making your child's play room work and be inspiring.
For more information on Smart Playrooms visit http://www.smartplayrooms.com/.
Here are their tips:
When it comes to setting up your child's playroom at home, sometimes less is better so it is easier for your child to focus on individual playthings. Many times parents are at a complete loss as to how to decorate their children's playroom and simply fill it with as many toys as possible, hoping to keep the kids entertained and occupied. Smart Playrooms has a better option – one that involves teachers coming to the rescue by helping parents organize an educational and interactive playroom for kids.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Keeping it cluttered with too many toys
The number one mistake most parents make when keeping a playroom for their kids is having way too much clutter. They buy toy after toy for their kids and the kids end up playing with the toy only once and then tossing it aside, never to be played with again. Avoid this issue by being smart about the toys you purchase for your kids and not keeping everything in the playroom. Donate old toys that are no longer being used, keep the favorites in the playroom, and keep some stuffed animals in the bedroom.
2. Not having a designated storage space
Playrooms tend to become more cluttered when kids don't pick up after playtime. If there is no designated space for each toy, your children will not put them away. Keep boxes and bins labeled so children know what goes where and they will be much more likely to clean up after themselves. This will also keep the playroom much more organized.
3. Not encouraging creative play
Several of the toys that parents purchase for their children do not encourage creativity or stimulate the senses. Get rid of these dull toys and bring some educational toys into the mix. Arts and crafts, puzzles, learning activities, and musical instruments are all toy options that get your child thinking and they get to learn as they play.
4. Keeping the television in the playroom
Yes, there are educational programs on television for your children, but it is recommended that parents take the TV out of the playroom and move it to the living room. If your children are too distracted by the TV, they will end up being glued to the floor and not taking advantage of any of the other smart, developmental toys you have provided them with. Compromise by setting aside some TV time during the day after homework is finished but keep it out of the playroom.
5. Decorating with adult furniture
Another common mistake that parents make is to decorate the playroom with furniture that is intended for adults. They decorate the space according to their tastes and preferences and forget that the room is meant for a child! Look for tables, desks, and chairs that are close to the ground so it is easy for little ones to hop into a chair at the table to play instead of making a mess on the floor. Keep hooks for hanging up dress up clothes closer to your child's height so they can reach the costumes on their own. Also make sure any drawers are within your child's reach because you want to encourage your children to put things away after playtime is over.