Sure, it’s easier to tell our kids to just go play a game on their electronic devices. They want to be creative? There are plenty of apps for that. There’s also fewer supplies we need to gather, less mess potential — win, win, right? Well, just as writing things out longhand is more beneficial for our minds than typing out the same message, physically manipulating media to create provides greater developmental benefits to kids. Providing an “invitation to create” does take some planning and ma …
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If you’re like most of us, your home doesn’t lack for “stuff to do.” And yet your kids whine, “I’m bored.” Sometimes so-called boredom is actually lack of imagination combined with being overwhelmed by too much stuff from which to choose. Instead of shouting “Go play! You have plenty of toys!”, the intentional parent can create invitations to create, to play, to learn. Starting Steps: Clean Space, Clear Mind To create a place where creativity and imaginative play can flourish, the space needs …
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Maybe you were with me on this post until you got to the “organize” part. It can be pretty daunting, for those of us for whom it doesn’t come naturally. But it’s a science, not an art: It can be learned. Once you’ve purged and sorted toys into sets or categories, you’ll probably be better prepared to do some more purging. Once you’ve pared down to what makes sense to keep, you need a plan. Storage Furniture Here at The Bedroom Source, we have plenty of storage furniture options that coordinate …
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Too many toys — it may be a first world problem, but it can definitely be a problem. For our kids, for our family relationships, for our sanity. Today’s parents are getting smart. Many are aware of the dangers of a pervasive materialistic, entitlement mindset fostered by modern advertising. Others are constantly purging their home of toys, for a variety of other reasons, including these biggies: 1) Educational & Developmental Health (see "Children Play Less the More Toys They Get") 2) Househol …
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Being intentional about family relationships can reap rewards both academically and otherwise, for both you and your children. While there is no replacement for regular, routine times for building relationships (as we discussed in Part 1), parents can also be creative about orchestrating an environment and special activities and occasions that intentionally celebrate and anticipate relational closeness — one of the most significant factors in a child’s academic success. Environmental Factors Fr …
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Amid the constant debates about educational funding, benefits of private vs. public education, teacher preparation and professional development, recent studies have unearthed an even more significant factor in the academic success of children: parental support and home life. According to a 2012 study involving 10,000 students, “while both school and family involvement are important, the role of family involvement is stronger when it comes to academic success." As a parent, that kind of statemen …
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When laying out a bedroom for boys, you want to use furniture that will hold up with active use. Built from solid poplar wood, the Paula Deen Guys collection offers the perfect look and feel for boys with its dark Molasses finish and simple, clean styling. As part of the Smartstuff™ by Universal collection, the beds, dressers, and nightstands contain extra features crafted to adapt to the lives of boys in the current age with modern technology. For example, the upper bunk of the bunk bed …
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We’re not just about cutesy Bed Tents around here — even though we have several options! With our best selling Maxtrix® Bedroom Furniture, you can provide your child with a healthy environment in which to sleep, play, and develop healthy habits that he or she will never outgrow. Sleep Space Many kid-friendly, space-saving beds compromise quality and safety in order to appease customer requests. At The Bedroom Source, we know children’s furnishings can still be safe and …
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You’re a responsible parent, trying to raise a conscious child. Whether you’re making choices about activities, clothing, education, or any number of things, you weigh each choice carefully. You do research. You weigh pros and cons. Of course, money is part of your decision-making process, but so is time, appearance, fun factor, safety, and environmental impact. The Maxtrix® System helps you make a wise choice in furnishing your child’s room. Environmentally Friendly Are …
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There are many things we wish we could provide for our children, but can’t. There are other things we need to stop doing for them, too. They need to grow up and learn to do some things for themselves. At the same time, there are things we can do for them and should: Providing a safe place for sleep, adequate solutions for storage, and open space for play can go a long way toward allowing for healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This isn’t a guilt trip about buying …
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