If you are wondering how to create a kids play area, you’ve come to the right spot! Today, I want to discuss all things play-related with you. If you have your first child, moved to a new home where you now have a designated playroom, or if you are doubling your living room as a play area, let’s discuss! After reading my best tips on how to create a kids play area, I would love to hear your tips, as well!
Find Your Spacen
When creating a kids play area, you need a space - obviously. Don’t worry, to have a great kids area, you do not need a ton of space, however. You only need a few toys at a time, really, and your imagination! You more than likely should be able to work with what you already have. If you need to rearrange furniture, go ahead and do so to create that space. Don’t get hurt while moving larger pieces, though. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a moving company such as Our Truck Moving. They can help with moves (both commercial and residential) and they are also labor movers Garland TX and offering services, such as moving heavy furniture for renovations, changing up spaces, or for you, creating a play area! Our Truck Moving is extremely professional and experienced, so they will have no problem moving your large items with ease. With over 5 years of experience, they offer customer-focused service, fast and efficient moving services, and competitive pricing. It’s a win-win! No matter if you are moving to a new home with a playroom, or if you are just moving furniture to create a playroom, they are the people to call.
Set Up Low Shelving
A great thing to focus on when creating your playroom is low shelving. This is an easy way to create more storage space, have designated spots for toys, and foster a sense of independent play, as well. IKEA is a great resource for shelving units for playrooms. For example, their KALLAX shelves are great when you lay it on its side. It is completely open (minus the spaces between the cubby holes), so toddlers can easily remember where each activity goes on the shelf. It can also be found in different sizes. There are larger units with 8 holes and smaller ones with 4 holes. If you need a bookshelf, the FLISAT bookshelves are adorable. They hang on a wall, but for a playroom, you can always put them very low to the ground so that your kids can just reach in and grab. The second bookshelf that might be a great option is that FLISAT book display. This one is different because it sits on the ground and does not take up a ton of room, but holds at least 10+ books if you do not mind stacking them on top of each other.
Toy Rotation
I have heard that toy rotation is magical, but I’ll admit it: it is extremely hard to do. I never know what to put down and what to take away, but it can be beneficial if you find a way to make it work within your home and playroom. Very Well Family says, “By dividing your toys into separate groups and allowing access to only one group at a time, you’ll prevent your kids from suffering that overwhelming feeling that comes with too many choices. Since they can actually see and assess what they have, everything gets played with and appreciated. And with fewer toys on hand, clean up is a breeze. Best of all, the anticipation of having something new and different to play with every few weeks makes each and every month feel like December!”
Declutter and Organize
This goes hand and hand with toy rotation, but as your child/children grow out of toys, store them away and/or donate or sell them. I know that it’s hard to get rid of their “baby toys” because you just want to hold on to those sweet moments and memories, but it is not doing you or your children any good by holding on to them and cluttering up your toy room. When they outgrow one thing, find something else to replace it with, which will help stimulate them and help them grow and learn.
Present Different Skills
If you are a parent yourself, you know how quickly kids grow and learn new skills. Present different toys when your child is working on different and new skill sets and this helps to prevent boredom. Montessori-like set-ups engage children’s attention and learning best from what I’ve found over time. Through Montessori set-ups and activities, your child learns how to follow a sequence of events, while role modeling developmentally appropriate skills for them to practice so they can gain more independence. When you are presenting new toys, show your child how to use it themselves and always follow their interests and cues. Your child will be eager to collaborate and participate when introducing a new, fun toy (more than likely). Invite them to play when it’s “their turn” and offer some help when you see they are struggling or getting frustrated: “let me show you how.” Once they get the hang of it after you show them, they will be able to play independently and it will make your job that much easier - and sweeter, too. Seeing them play independently will warm your mama heart because that means that they are learning and growing. Bittersweet!
There you have it - those are my best tips on how to create a kids play area. When it comes down to it, you really do not need a ton of room, but you do need to have an idea of what you want. Do you have any tips that I did not include? Let me know!
