Today’s kids are spending more time in there rooms than in past generations but instead of being disappointed, as parents we can provide rooms that reflect this change and give the child a space full of stimulation, growth and even adventure. As a guideline of what your child may need, I have listed some basic room requirements for small children.
Kid’s Rooms That Support and Stimulate Development at all Stages by Lisa Romero Today’s kids are spending more time in there rooms than in past generations but instead of being disappointed, as parents we can provide rooms that reflect this change and give the child a space full of stimulation, growth and even adventure. There are many reasons children find themselves indoors more. Some may have to remain indoors because they have no safe outside space to run around in due to confinements of city living or neighborhood concerns. Some children prefer indoor activities, such as electronic or computer games which are much more abundant in this generation. Add the business of today’s typical families and the increased homework requirements that school places on our children and there is not always enough time in the day for free play outside.
Whatever the reason, kids need a space to call their own, where they can escape, relax and imagine as well as grow and develop. Fortunately, their rooms can not only be an expression of their own personalities and styles, but also support each stage of development. As a guideline of what your child may need, I have listed some basic requirements for small children adapted from a great book called “Ideas for Great Kids Rooms” by Jane Horn and the editors of Sunset Magazine (easily obtained from your local library). While I have focused on small children, ages three to eight (or so), the book also includes older children and teenagers.
For toddlers, ages three to five, exploration and play is the name of the game. Climbing, poking and dismantling fill there days so safety is the first requirement for their space. Purchase tip-proof furniture, keep breakables out of reach and try to decorate with washable materials on walls and floors. Your little baby has now grown out if his or her crib and is ready for a standard bed with a nightstand (for a spill-proof cup of water) and bedside lighting for a little bedtime story reading.
Of great importance is a play area. Size really doesn’t matter here, just so there is space for drawing, working puzzles and building things. Toy storage is also a necessity but make sure it is accessible and organized in a way that children can both find the toy they are looking for and put it back when they are done. And don’t forget the color and the themes! Toddlers love colors in their rooms and by this age they are into pretending. What fun would it be for a little girl who loves to dress up like a princess to have her own princess chair or a little boy who loves playing with tools to have a construction themed toy chest!
Children age's six to eight are growing up and going to school full-time. It is time to replace that craft table and chairs with a desk for doing homework and a more comfy chair or beanbag for reading and lounging. Make sure to provide plenty of lighting for both activities. Develop storage systems for homework, toys and clothes to make cleanup easy and reduce clutter. A growing social life means sleepovers are in their future. Bunk beds, trundle beds, chairs that convert into beds or simple foam pads that store easily under beds are all fun options for future overnight guests.
To find some creative and stimulating ways to decorate your little one’s personal space with quality furniture, go to www.littlefeetfurniture.com.
Lisa Romero is a mother of two toddlers with a PhD in Biological Sciences.
Bunk Bed Safety 101 by Dr. Lisa Romero, PhD
Many parents are unaware of the potential dangers of having bunk beds for their children. Most of us probably think of children falling off while playing, rolling or sleepwalking off the top bunk resulting in broken bones or more seriously, spinal injuries but, there are several other less obvious, yet serious risks to having bunk beds. These hazards can cause fatal accidents when children become entrapped, smothered or strangled by bunk bed structures.
There are four main problems that create the hazards: 1) the space between guardrails is too big allowing a small child to slip through, or guardrails are not attached securely and can dislodge; 2) the bed does not have rails on both sides; 3) the mattress foundation is not properly supported and can dislodge; or 4) the mattress does not fit the bed properly creating gaps that children can fall through or become trapped in. Fortunately the risks can be limited and bunk beds can be made safer if the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are followed.
Guardrail tips:
1. All guardrails should be screwed or bolted to the bed (as opposed to resting on hooks).
2. The space between guardrails should be no more than 3-1/2 inches.
3. The guardrail should extend 5 inches or more above the mattress.
4. All sides of the upper bed should have guardrails.
Mattress tips:1. The foundation should rest on cross ties securely attached to the bed. Avoid beds where the mattress merely rests on small ledges.
2. Make sure to purchase the correct length mattress. There are two lengths of mattresses: regular and extra long.
In addition, the CPSC urges parents to teach children that rough play in unsafe on beds and other furniture. They also recommend that children under the age of six should not sleep on upper bunks. If you already have bunk beds at home you should maintain them to keep them safe by checking the guardrails, ladder rungs and cross ties and keeping them secure.
At www.littlefeetfurniture.com they are very concerned for child safety with their children’s products. Though they do not carry bunk beds they continue to maintain a high level of quality in all they furniture they do offer.
More information can be obtained from the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov.
The guidelines above were obtained from CPSC document #071.
Lisa Romero is a wife, home-maker and mother of two boys with a PhD in Biological Sciences.
