How to Create a Healthy Homework Space for your Kids
How do you create a space that your kids actually want to do their homework in? While traditional desks and kitchen tables have been the norm over the years, they can start to feel stale and boring. As more and more people are homeschooling, it’s become more important than ever to provide your children with a fun, yet productive school space. Kids usually don’t like to do homework, but if you create a fun, personalized space, they may find it more enjoyable to hang out in.
Transform a closet
We recently shared how you can transform a closet into a home office. This same concept would also work to create a homework space. As more and more kids need access to computers and smart devices in our high-tech world, it’s important to make sure the space incorporates these educational tools. Teachers are often doing lessons over different software platforms that require a computer or iPad and a good setup for sound and video. Making sure that the homework space is set up with adequate desk space is important. The fun part is that kids can decorate and design this space to fit their interests and personality. You can work together to design the space to be both productive and personalized.
Create a space for kids in your home office
If you already have a home office, you can turn it into a family-friendly office space. This helps busy families transform work time into family time. Adding a desk for your kids or utilizing existing shelving and space to create their own section, can help them feel ownership in the space and see it as their work zone. This can help separate work time from fun time as well. If your work desk is nearby, you can help them as needed to stay on task and answer questions, while accomplishing your own to-do list. If you need to make calls or require some distraction free time, you can give them a quick “fun break” and take over the space.
Transform an under-utilized space
A hallway, small nook, unused corner, playroom space, the space under a raised loft bed, an unused attic – any of these spaces can be transformed int a functional homework space. Even in small spaces you can find a way to add shelves to create a floating desk. If you don’t have the space to leave a permanent shelf, you can also design the “murphy bed” of desks! A fold-down workstation can be installed and easily folded down when needed and put away when done.
Working together with your children to create a personalized homework space will help them to feel ownership over the space and take responsibility for choices regarding its organization and design. You’re ahead of the education game, and teaching them skills such as personal organization, decision making, time management, teamwork, and responsibility.
