A Place for Toys
Many of us have grandchildren, nieces and nephews and young friends who stop by for short visits. Those of us who have experience with children know that it is wise to have some safe, age appropriate toys handy when these little darlings come to call. That way we preserve the other tempting objects in our house that just call out to be handled and broken. Creating a play station, either stationary or portable, helps ensure that even your youngest guests have an enjoyable visit.
We are firm believers that children are best kept under the watchful eye of their caretaker when visiting, especially if they are in an unfamiliar setting. The challenge is to create a separate space that encourages independent play so the adults can enjoy interacting with each other. Even though the children are in sight, it is a good idea to make the space as safe as possible. For instance, obscure electrical outlets, make sure all furniture is stable and will not topple over and avoid sharp corners and breakable surfaces.
One of our clients has chosen to create a stationary play area in her finished room above the garage where she frequently visits with friends and meets with her church groups. In one sunny corner, she has a book case filled with children’s books and games. Next to that, she has a three-drawer chest that houses a variety of play things. If you choose this type of play area, make sure that books and toys appropriate for small children are placed on lower shelves and items with small parts or other hazards are placed out of reach.
Another way of handling the situation is to put together a portable play station. This can be done with a box or large bag, a rolling bin or a storage chest. Group toys by age appropriateness and place in large plastic bags which are labeled with the age category. Then place the bags in the storage receptacle. Fill another bag with a cheerful quilt or throw and small pillow. You might also add a lap-desk or other firm writing surface for coloring and drawing. When the young ones arrive, pull out the bags that correspond to their age group and spread the throw to define their play area. These portable play stations are also a good solution for parents who occasionally tend children in spaces other than the main play area in the residence. A play station in the laundry room can distract a child long enough to get the clothes sorted or folded.
Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net
We are firm believers that children are best kept under the watchful eye of their caretaker when visiting, especially if they are in an unfamiliar setting. The challenge is to create a separate space that encourages independent play so the adults can enjoy interacting with each other. Even though the children are in sight, it is a good idea to make the space as safe as possible. For instance, obscure electrical outlets, make sure all furniture is stable and will not topple over and avoid sharp corners and breakable surfaces.
One of our clients has chosen to create a stationary play area in her finished room above the garage where she frequently visits with friends and meets with her church groups. In one sunny corner, she has a book case filled with children’s books and games. Next to that, she has a three-drawer chest that houses a variety of play things. If you choose this type of play area, make sure that books and toys appropriate for small children are placed on lower shelves and items with small parts or other hazards are placed out of reach.
Another way of handling the situation is to put together a portable play station. This can be done with a box or large bag, a rolling bin or a storage chest. Group toys by age appropriateness and place in large plastic bags which are labeled with the age category. Then place the bags in the storage receptacle. Fill another bag with a cheerful quilt or throw and small pillow. You might also add a lap-desk or other firm writing surface for coloring and drawing. When the young ones arrive, pull out the bags that correspond to their age group and spread the throw to define their play area. These portable play stations are also a good solution for parents who occasionally tend children in spaces other than the main play area in the residence. A play station in the laundry room can distract a child long enough to get the clothes sorted or folded.
Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net
Labels: Child, Children, Grandchild, Key Transitions, Nephew, Niece, Organizing, Play, Professional Organizer, Safety, Toys
posted by Key Transitions at 5:54 AM
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