Kids use their bedrooms to express themselves, entertain friends, explore interests, and sometimes even study. By investing some time to find out what kind of setup and supplies work best, you can help create an ideal room in which your child can both enjoy himself and get work done.
Involve your child. While it may seem easier to do the planning, decision-making and setting up for your child, keep in mind that these are skills not taught in school. By involving your child in the process, you have the opportunity to teach her skills that will serve her throughout life. Also, the more invested your child is in the process, the more invested she will be in its success.
Make a plan. Decide together when and how you would like to approach this project—just after school ends, mid-summer, before the school year starts—and then create a schedule that works for both of you.
Identify the bedroom zones. Children use their rooms for four basic purposes: Working, sleeping, grooming, and entertaining. Simplify things by identifying these zones and gathering all related supplies in each area. Grooming supplies can reside on top of a dresser, while video games, music, and, while magazines can be contained in the entertainment area.
Invest in the basics. Kids’ tastes change often. Instead of spending a lot of money redecorating your child’s room, invest in some basic pieces and let your child accessorize in his own style. A room can grow with your child with a change of sheets and some new posters.
Set up a desktop file box. This open file box belongs in an accessible, visible place, preferably on your child’s desk. It contains files for school subjects and current interests (team schedules, class lists, sheet music). Paper that is no longer needed in school is filed in the desktop file box for future reference.
Archive your child’s work. Work from previous years that you want to keep should be stored in an archival box or envelope, and moved out of the desk. Prime real estate in the desk should be reserved for the current year’s work.
Buy supplies in triplicate. When you shop for school supplies at the beginning of the year, take advantage of back-to-school sales. Kids tend to lose and abuse their supplies, so buy three of each of the smaller items and send one to school with your child. keep one in her desk or portable office, and one in your supply closet.
Practice purging. Make purging a regular part of your child’s routine so the job never gets overwhelming. By getting rid of what is no longer useful, your child makes room for what’s important. By going through this process with your child you can help him start the school year with a clean desk and a clear mind.
Desk Duty
%uFFFDWe asked Andra Stangl, executive vice president of Pottery Barn Kids, what parents should look for in a great kids’ workspace.
Size
A toddler will work better in open space, and they don’t have as much need for organization. Plan on plenty of room for both kids and parents at the desk. A larger desk is best for 6- to 12-year-old kids because they are more likely to want or need a computer as well and be capable and responsible for putting away their stuff.
Lighting
Look for lamps that can bend and adjust to aim light.
Storage
Drawers are great for containing clutter, but bins and cubbies work also.
Room for Display
If you can fit a hutch/cork board it’s great for displaying work and putting necessary papers (such as times tables and spelling lists) in accessible view.
Extra Touches
Make sure it’s a space that’s personalized. Labeled storage or color coded bins and drawers work well if there are multiple kids working at the desk.
Care
Pottery Barn Kids desks in particular are sealed with lacquer so that they are easily cleaned, but when it comes to markers and paint it’s best to lay down a desk mat. Pottery Barn Kids offers a clear acrylic mat in small or large.
Donna S. Goldberg and Jennifer Zwiebel are the authors of “The
Organized Student: Teaching Children the Skills for Success in School
and Beyond.”
