Arranging your child's playroom can be fun, but it also requires careful planning. As you begin to organize a fun area for the kids' recreation, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Choose a safe area. For example, in using a basement room or garage area, make sure no harmful substances are stored where curious children can find them. Check for mold, frayed electrical cords, and alluring plug outlets where kids might encounter electric shock. For young children, insert plastic socket covers to discourage prying fingers. If the room is on the second floor or higher, be sure the windows stay closed and locked or are fitted with snug screens; if the latter, open the windows just a few inches to keep kids from trying to climb out. Remove items that could transform into imaginary weapons, such as a fireplace poker. Be sure insect or pest treatments are out of the way.
2. Keep them within hearing distance. If parents will be working in other parts of the house, keep the kids close enough to listen in to their activities. Don't leave them unsupervised for long periods of time.
3. Make the area attractive and neat. A durable carpet or rug and matching curtains will invite kids in to a pleasant environment. Clean walls adorned with wall paper or paint and accented with their favorite cartoon or story characters will make the room seem their own. Be sure everything is washable for when those inevitable accidents occur.
4. Place heavier items on the floor. These might include play or drivable trucks and cars, tricycles, building blocks, or other large toys that can be stored against the wall out of the way. Buy colorful items that will attract your children's attention and keep them focused on play rather than mischief.
5. Set lightweight toys at eye level. Use bookshelves or building block containers for setting model cars, dolls, books, and other toys that can be quickly picked up and set down. These might be arranged in order, such as cars and trucks on top of the block bin with books and videos on the shelves. Or you can let the kids arrange the items to their liking, which gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership.
6. Place fragile or rarely-used items at higher levels. Closet shelves, cabinet tops, and higher level bookshelves are good places for things that require parental supervision. Remind children they must not climb up to get things they want, but must rather come and get a parent's help. Baby wipes, paper towels, and soap gel are handy cleaning supplies to keep inside the cabinet or on cupboard shelves.
Overall, the playroom should be attractive, functional, and organized. Teach the kids to pick up after themselves, picking up toys and putting them away at the end of each day, even if it's just to toss blocks or small cars into a cardboard box. This small duty will introduce them to caring for their things and prepare them for greater tasks as they grow older.
