Considering “PARENT” as an acronym is the way one Danish parent explains why kids and parents in Denmark rank as some of the happiest on the planet. Isn’t that what all of us want, after all — for us and our kids — more happiness, all around? Seriously. Yet most of us probably feel guilty doing the very things that contribute to that happiness, starting with the “P” in “PARENT":• P is for Play • A is for Authenticity • R is for Reframing • E is for Empathy • N is for No Ultimatums • T is for Tog …
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Even if it’s counter-cultural, kids really need to play. It’s not just for preschoolers, no matter what your child may think. If you have to trick your older kids into pretend play by asking them to play along with a younger sibling or friend, then do it! Seriously, there’s something special that happens when kids delve fully into a pretend scenario, role, or world. To a point, you can’t manufacture this kind of experience, but you can definitely do some things to encourage it!Dress-Ups and othe …
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For some people, looking for inspiration for bedroom pattern themes by browsing through different youth bedroom ideas is a perfect match for their individual personality. For those who instead prefer a more methodological approach, here are a few considerations you may want to keep in mind.Choosing by FurnitureIf you already have a new bedroom furniture collection in place, you’ll want to take that into consideration. If you haven’t yet decided on one, feel free to choose a pattern first, but be …
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In Part 1, we looked at the four primary colors and the psychology behind them, as well as how different shades of the same color can either visually open or close up a room. Now, we’re going to delve a little further into why you probably choose the colors you do and how you can make the best choices for your individual child’s room.Choosing Colors According to Your ChildAn extension of the psychology of color has to do with individuals and their physical connections to specific colors through …
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When it’s time to choose a new paint color for your child’s bedroom, it may be time to think outside the box a bit. Did you know that color can have a profound influence on your child’s mood and the atmosphere of a room?Choosing Colors for a PurposeIs your child’s bedroom a place where your child also plays, studies, or engages in creative activities? Does your child tend to be more hyper or antisocial than you’d prefer? You might want to consider those issues when choosing a color for his or he …
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In case you’re not already blown away with the magic of Maxtrix® by all the amazing Loft Beds with Desks we’ve already looked at, we think you’ll be delighted to know that all Maxtrix pieces are made with solid wood and quality construction, to keep your child safe. Beds are raised with thick steel connector bolts, and drawers utilize English Dovetail construction and dual undermounted drawer glides. In addition, with any Maxtrix piece, you get to choose from Chestnut, Natural, or White finish, …
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The magic of Maxtrix® is that not only are the possibilities nearly endless, but none of them are (necessarily) permanent. As you can see in this YouTube video, the same Basic Maxtrix Bed can be used as a stand-alone piece or as part of a Loft or Bunk Bed. But if you don’t want to commit to one arrangement, that’s okay too: You can change it up anytime! Storage pieces like the 4-Drawer Dresser or 3-Drawer Narrow Chest can be used with a Crown Moulding Top and Base as free-standing pieces, or wit …
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The Maxtrix® children’s furniture system is truly one of a kind. Think quality children’s furniture meets Transformers. You start with the Basic Bed, which can morph into all kinds of bed styles and accommodate a wide variety of accessories and storage furniture to turn your child’s bed into all kinds of things, ranging from a secret hideaway to a study space, all-in-one storage bed, or even a playground. The best — and most amazing — aspect of Maxtrix is that it doesn’t have to stop morphing. Y …
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With the school year just starting, it’s time to get back into a routine. (If you have kids younger than school age, check out this post about creating weekly rhythms that work for you.) Most of us have a hate/love relationship with routines, don’t we? We love them until they get old. Then they start feeling like a drudgery. Now, while school year routines are still fresh and new, is the time to plan for that day you know is coming, not long into the future, when they become, well, ho hum.Routin …
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Sometimes, less is more. We all know that “sensory overload” sensation, whether we’re on the more resilient side or more sensitive side of the norm. What happens when our senses are bombarded is the body’s stress response — which can not only bring uncomfortable physical results but also creates an extra barrier to getting restful sleep. With bright colors and an overabundance of toys, tools, and treasures poking out from every direction, it’s easy for your child’s bedroom to become too visually …
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