Mar 19 2009
Creating Spaces for Kids
My MIL gave me a bag full of old sheets a while back. She gives us a lot of her old stuff…and we’ll leave it at that.
While trying to decide what to do with the sheets (donate, throw out…) I came up with a plan to create a new environment for the kids to play in. I hung all the sheets in the kids play room, blocking off the toys, books, games and TV and made an “empty” room for them to play. It obviously requires imagination when there are no visual aids to rely on. The kids thought it was very cool. They used it as a stage and performed singing acts. They also used it as a secret hideaway since I also hung a sheet in the doorway, thus giving them the feeling of privacy. They told secrets, laughed, and enjoyed each others company without the struggle of toys to share.
I would love to create a permanent environment where they can bond together or with friends and feel independent while still close to the comforts of home. We’ve discussed making a clubhouse in the back yard where the pool used to be and seeing how much the kids enjoyed this space I think it may be in our near future. Anyone want to come help?
What space do your kids have all to themselves?
This is a great idea! My mom set up a “tent village” for my brother and sister in their playroom. She realized they had like four of those little kiddie tents, so she set them all up in the corner of their playroom facing each other and then draped them with a sheet. They absolutely love it.
KeriJ
http://sissymomma.today.com
This is a great idea! I remember making “forts” out of blankets and my mother’s furniture when I was a kid, and I had the best time playing in them. It was great to just sit in there and pretend or hide.