According to the Pew Research Center, around 22 million employees in the United States work from home now. Despite the many benefits of remote work, such as not having a long commute or being forced to dress nicely every day, the challenging part, at least for parents, is sharing the workspace with their children.
It can be distracting from your own work and difficult to keep them occupied! (Remember the remote schooling days of COVID). Even if your kids are in school or you have a nanny, many have to share a workspace at some point.
Creating a child-friendly workspace in a corner of your home can help solve this problem and has great advantages. First, your child will have a natural spot to do homework and other projects without cluttering the dining room table. Second, having their own designated place means that they’re more likely to entertain themselves for longer periods. Finally, a kid-friendly workspace will allow you to focus on your work while they focus on their play.
But…how do you do it? In this article, we’ll provide tips to help you create the perfect space for your child. That way, you won’t have to worry about your child having their own talent show in the middle of your next Zoom meeting!
Think about blanket forts and playhouses. Kids love having a “secret” place of their own where they can make the rules. If you have the budget to build a small, cozy niche, they’ll love it. Alternatively, you can use curtains or bed sheets with tension rods to give them the privacy they need to enjoy their own quiet corner of the home. Another idea is to use bookcases or privacy screens to create a small space for them. My 5 year old loves this fort building set and when he’s down building he covers it with a blanket.
Let your child weigh in on the style and décor of their space. While you may not want to repaint the whole area, things like posters and wall stickers can add personality to their section of the room. Let them, within reason, pick the furniture, shelving, and storage solutions so they will be invested in using the space you’re giving them.
The workspace should be kept for those hours when you need to work uninterrupted. If you send your child there at other times, the appeal may quickly wear off. Include special books, games, puzzles, and projects that are only permitted during your work hours, and replenish these as needed to keep them engaged.
Toddlers and preschoolers will especially appreciate having special toys and games they can only access when mom or dad are working. The “Melissa & Doug Paint With Water” activity books are perfect to keep them busy while you work. The Indestructibles books are another way to entertain your little one without risking damage to your good books.
Look for organizational methods that are simple for your child to maintain. Some kids organize like mini-adults, but most kids need simplified, labeled bins, drawers, and boxes to keep things tidy. Use wall shelving and storage units to maximize space.
Of course, kids can use adult-sized furniture, but since your child will be spending a decent amount of time in their workspace, do your best to find comfortable furniture. Your child likely needs a table or desk and a chair where they can work on projects and homework. They also may want a cozy place to cuddle when they want to read books, such as a miniature rocking chair or a bean bag. Infants may also need special toys, like the LOVEVERY play gym, to keep themselves busy.
Overhead lighting is a must, but don’t forget the finishing touches that make a kid’s workspace a bit more fun. Task lighting, like desk lamps, will make doing homework or art projects easier, but fun fairy lights, a lava lamp, or string lights will add a special twinkle to your child’s quiet place.
Kids love nature, and their bodies crave the stimulation that natural elements bring. Think of ways to bring the outdoors inside. This can be as complex as a fish tank, pet lizard, or hermit crab habitat, or as simple as a few potted plants or letting your child have a rock collection.
Greenery and animals can reduce stress and depression and improve a child’s overall mood, so include at least a few natural elements in your workspace.
If you don’t have time to hunt down bargains for your workspace, let Simply Sales do it for you. As working moms, we understand the struggle, and are here to help you find the best deals and products for you and your family. You can visit our website for more ideas, product reviews, and discounts, or join our community to connect with other moms. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive weekly deals!
