Guest post by Alex Berger
As a parent, you always want the best for your children. You want them to grow big and strong, learn everything that they can possibly learn, and be healthy as a horse! In order to do this, sometimes you just have to let go a bit and let them discover things themselves. As hard as this can be, it is much easier when you have a safe place to do this – a safe place that inspires learning.
Of course, you want to encourage your children to spend most of their time outside, playing in the sun, but that does not mean that you cannot have time inside either. You will need to balance the time spent inside and out and when you are inside, you will want a place for your child, or children that inspires creativity, positivity, and learning. That’s why today, I want to bring you this article on steps that you can take to create a playroom that inspires learning. Here are my best tips:
Start With The Walls
When you get started, your first step will be to consider the walls. This sounds crazy, but hear me out. Color, space, and the amount of “things” in the room all have a dramatic effect on children. It can affect their imagination, creativity, and even their ability to learn. It can also affect their mood. For example, colors that can be found in nature such as neutral colors, or even green and light blue colors can help inspire creativity and promote a positive state of light. Light blue also helps very active children, who might need a calming environment to help them focus. Think about yourself, an adult, and how colors affect you. This is the same for children, as well, and when they are learning, it is very important to create a space that calms them, grounds them, and inspires said learning. Now it doesn’t sound so crazy to consider the colors of the walls when designing a playroom that inspires learning, does it?
Have Enough Space
Your child needs the freedom to move. Outside, they have plenty of space, but indoors, it can be hard to find enough space to allow them to release their energy and inspire them to learn and be creative. This is why it is essential to have enough room in your home. If you are in the house hunting stage (maybe you are searching for Homes for Sale in Murray Hills), ensure that you 1) find a great real estate agent to help you prioritize your needs and wants and 2) make sure that you are doing your due diligence by making sure that it is a home that your kids can grow and thrive in.
Jax Historic Realty is your go-to when it comes to buying a home in Jacksonville, so if you are searching there, make sure to check their website out. Erin is a Best of Zillow REALTOR who specializes in Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods. He previously worked in financial services, holds and MBA with an economics focus, and has a deep understanding of buying and selling homes. “Erin, who was featured as a 2017 “Rising Star” by Jacksonville Real Producers Magazine, lives in a 1924 Avondale home that he restored with his partner, David. When he isn’t enjoying recreational sports, Erin can be seen strolling the streets of Avondale with his dog, Saedi, often chatting with past clients and neighbors seeking advice about their historic home renovations.” When you need a new home to make sure that you have enough space for your kids, call Erin up and he will help guide you.
Consider Their Interests
The next step is to consider their interest. When choosing the items that go into this playroom, think long and hard about what will inspire them and make them love learning and being creative. Everything that goes into your playroom should be intentional. It is extremely easy to transform a room from an idle environment into a productive and creative space if you just simply nurture their interests and strengths. If your child loves music, try to include plenty of instruments in the room. If they love dancing, you will need even more space so that they can move around freely and create their own routines. If they love art, then fill the room with creative art supplies! Whatever it is, let them grow their talents, as well as discover new ones along the way.
In addition to their interests, you will also want to consider their school work, as well. The space can also double as a space to work, if needed or wanted. While you do not need to spend a ton of money on this, make sure that you have a space that allows them to focus and work on what they need to. Add in a table, a bookcase, and plenty of supplies that allow them to do whatever they need to do when it comes to school work.
Make It Cozy
We have already talked about your child needing the freedom to move, in order to inspire learning and creativity, but they also need to ability to lie somewhere other than just a chair. This is why I love making the playroom and space of learning cozy. Most people are more inclined to read or sit down and curl up with a coloring book if they have a comfortable spot to do so. Adding in fluffy runs, plush pillows, a reading fort, and a comfortable chair is a great idea to make it a bit more cozy. I also love adding small decor features such as a himalayan salt lamp, a diffuser, and artwork that inspires your child, as well.
No matter what your child loves to do, creativity is the center of all things related to learning, passion, and commitment. When they are able to nurture their interests in a space that inspires them to do so, it will allow them to stick with their passions and find new ones, as well. Encourage your child to spend time playing and learning outside, but when they come indoors, give them a space to help them learn, play, and work.
Encourage your child to spend time playing and learning outside, but when they come indoors, give them a space to help them learn, play, and work.