Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Letting children participate in decorating their homes is a fantastic way to foster their creativity and instill in them a sense of responsibility and ownership over their living environment. Not only does it steer their energy into a productive activity, but it also offers an opportunity for family bonding. You might be concerned about the potential chaos, but don’t fret, there are non-chaotic ways to make decorating with kids both fun and artistic.
Low-Risk, High Fun Tasks
Instead of handing your 6-year-old a paintbrush and letting them loose on the walls, there are many safe, engaging activities your kids can help with. One of the most fun tasks is letting them use their artistic skills to create personalised art to display in certain parts of the house. Encourage them to draw, paint, or even make collages. You could even order canvas prints online of their best artwork and hang them on suitable walls – a perfect display of their capabilities that will give them a great sense of pride and achievement, and work as a cute memento for you as your kids get older.
Similarly, letting your kid choose their room colour or a theme for their room decor will ensure their active participation without causing a mess and ruckus. Small tasks like selecting the type of curtain or the colour of the bed linen will also keep them engaged without much chaos.
Transforming Tasks Into Fun Activities
One great way to keep home decorating with kids trouble-free is to turn it into a game or challenge. Assign them low-risk tasks such as sorting decorative items by colour or size, or putting up non-breakable trinkets in their designated places. If you’ve got more energy and don’t mind a bit more micromanagement, you could create a scavenger hunt with clues leading to the places where certain items need to be placed. In this way, the entire decorating process becomes a fun and productive exercise, striking a balance between recreation and responsibility.
Involving Kids in Crafty Decorations
Crafts can be an excellent way to involve kids in decorating. Simple crafts like making paper chains or snowflakes, designing their own photo frames or creating their own stationery holders, can significantly enhance the look and feel of a room – even if the decorations are only temporary. Children will have fun creating these crafts, and take pride in seeing their creations being used as real decor elements.
Kid-Proof Decorations
While letting children have a say in home decoration, it’s also crucial to make sure the house is childproof – especially their own bedrooms. Opt for foam- or plastic-based decor instead of glass or ceramics, which can easily break. Bean bags instead of conventional chairs, or wall decals instead of breakable wall hangings, are also a good idea for areas where your kids are likely to spend a lot of time and/or to play boisterously.
Role Of Revision And Reinforcement
Value your kids’ input, but also guide them gently towards understanding the aesthetics and theme of decor. For instance, if your kid insists on decorating their room with Christmas lights year-round, subtly steer them toward a night light with fairy lights instead. Praise their choices and reinforce their positive behaviour. Let them see their ideas transformed into reality, and gently correct them when needed.
Conclusion
Decorating with kids might seem like a crazy idea, but with these strategies, it can become an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Aim to strike a balance between fun and functionality, allowing kids to express their creativity, learning, and growing in the process. With patience, guidance, and an appreciation of their innocence, home décor with children can be a non-chaotic, fun-filled activity, leaving you with a home full of happiness, memories, and passionate little interior designers.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
