With all of the stresses, struggles, and challenges that come with moving into a brand new place, it’s easy to forget just how difficult moving into a new area can be for your children. After all, there’s a good chance that they’ve had to say goodbye to some of their old neighborhood friends. They will need some time and encouragement to adjust to these new and unfamiliar surroundings.
But keeping worried children occupied is the first step to helping them overcome these concerns. And when it comes to activities that soothe and support children, there’s nothing quite like letting their creative sides run wild! With a few small tips and ideas, you can give your children a little more freedom in decorating their new rooms. And you won’t have to break the bank or make a huge mess while doing so! Here are just a few of the fun and simple ways you can let your kids decorate and help plan out a new room.
Allow them some freedom to personalize the space
Nothing helps kids to adapt to new surroundings quite like having a few personal items and toys that they love around the room. Asking them where they’d like certain items they love to go in a new room helps them to feel comfortable in a new home far faster than usual.
And if they’re missing some friends or family members from where they used to live, there are fun and creative photo prints in different shapes and sizes kids can decorate their room with. Not only does this make them feel less lonely, but it combines the fond memories of your old home with the new home!
Let them choose the theme of the room
Here’s where you can use a little parental magic to ensure your children don’t wreck the room while also making them feel as if they’re in complete control. Tell them that they can pick the theme of their new room, then present them with a list of options to choose from.
While they feel as if they’re getting their own way, they’re actually picking from a pre-approved list that you’ve given them. This means you can decorate it smartly and in a style that you’re happy with, then add some flourishes based on sports, superheroes, or whatever other themes you’ve offered up for selection.
I like to work with them to choose a wall color that will grow with them over time. Then an accent color can be added with pillows, bedding, and wall art. These accessories can be easily changed up as your child grows, and their taste changes.
Allow them to have a nook that’s completely their own
It’s important to have boundaries in a new room, but it’s also essential that your little ones develop their own creative style and begin to understand exactly who they are as individuals as well.
To help encourage this, it’s always a good idea to plan a little desk or a small nook in the corner just for the kids to decorate. Let them add as many toys or decorations as they like (within pre-agreed safety and cleanliness rules) to make them feel like it’s not just a new house, but a house that they are a very important part of.