Kid-Friendly Spaces
Child-friendly spaces provide much-needed routine and stability for children affected by emergencies or displacement. Children can play and build relationships with others while engaging in structured group activities designed to reduce their stress levels.
Kids will enjoy exploring this multi-level indoor playground with its bi-level castle play structure and two-lane slide, plus tons of other fun features!
1. Dedicate the Lowest Cabinets and Shelves to Toys and Games
Do not fill shelves with too many toy storage solutions, as too many different toy boxes can become confusing for children during play and cleanup times. Instead, opt for one solution that accommodates your collection’s size – like IKEA Trofast which allows users to customize bin depth for easier toy storage.
Childproof cabinets and drawers with child-safe latches are an effective way of protecting children from accessing potentially hazardous items such as household cleaners, medications or anything else that they may want to reach for.
World Vision’s child-friendly spaces offer children a safe space where they can participate in activities and games designed to help them return to normal after experiencing trauma or grief. Furthermore, they provide non-formal education as well as resilience training aimed at strengthening children in situations like Venezuelan migrant camps where World Vision runs shelters with tents called Surjoful (meaning sunflower). Here children meet several days each week for activities led by staff from World Vision’s Surjoful tent.
2. Add Extra Pillows and Ottomans
If you want your children to stretch out and read or watch movies on the floor, try adding large throw pillows and padded ottomans as seating options. Low seating solutions like these also serve to create visual separation in open floor plans.
For an ideal kid-friendly coffee table, opt for round styles with rounded corners that will be less harmful should a child accidentally bump into them. Ottoman tables may even offer storage solutions to keep clutter under control.
On a bookshelf, place breakable items near the top shelf while keeping kid-friendly books on lower shelves to discourage climbing. This arrangement also gives children easier access to adult books they may wish to read.
Your sectional should be made of stain-resistant performance fabric to withstand spills, messes and anything else children or pets might bring home with them. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean and comes in neutral colors.
3. Add a Low-Set Coffee Table
While coffee tables may have once been useful as places to rest drinks between sip-and-sip sessions and display your hardcover book collection, their purpose changes once children enter the picture. Instead of sacrificing style or risking head banging with sharp corners, try something softer like Lulu and Georgia’s soft, round table; its round form makes it safer for toddlers (no sharp edges to hit heads on) while providing warm textures that fit seamlessly into any design aesthetic.
The table provides a solid platform for toys and games to be stored or for putting a mirror tray to inspire creative play. To add extra storage and seating options, consider including a tufted ottoman – it will serve both purposes, providing extra toys storage as well as extra seating during family gatherings – this child loves sitting down close to the floor on chair-like objects even as they approach adulthood!
4. Add a Reading or Lounging Area
Setting aside space in their room specifically dedicated to reading or lounging can help children feel calmer and more focused. A tent, teepee or cozy chair combined with floor pillows create a cozy corner which encourages reading.
Even an underutilized closet can become an inviting reading nook with just the removal of its door and the addition of cushioned seating, book storage shelves and battery-operated wall lamps. Hanging a world map helps children learn about different countries and cultures while posters or plush toys featuring beloved storybook characters can spark children’s interest in reading.
Make the space uniquely their own – whether that means an earthy forest theme, vibrant floral room or girlish fairy-tale vibe – where kids feel at ease reading! Mix patterns and textures together to create an inviting yet stylish space they will grow with over time. Fun themes such as Star Wars(r) or Harry POTTER(tm) house offer exciting decor options they can continue to appreciate as their interests evolve.