Consider 's temperment and habits before decorating her bedroom.
Decorating your toddler's bedroom presents a unique set of challenges. First, your idea of a lovely, organized and aesthetically-pleasing space can be quickly derailed by the rowdy, destructive and oh-so-creative tendencies of your young child. Second, resisting the inherent nature of your toddler may mean you spend countless hours and experience endless frustration trying to keep toys organized, walls crayon-free and collectibles intact. Create a space where can "express himself" at minimal expense to your sanity is well worth the initial investment of time and money.
The Aspiring Artist
If your child seems determined to cover every square inch of wall space with crayon creations, decorate the bedroom so it allows for more acceptable artistic expression. Chalkboard paint is an inexpensive way to turn any wall into a "canvas" that can easily be wiped clean. Buy used tables from second-hand stores or garage sales, cut the legs short and paint the tops with glossy paint that wipes down easily. Use these "craft tables" for drawing, painting, play-dough and other forms of artistic expression. Likewise, hard floors make cleaning up a breeze. Out-of-reach shelves with bins of art supplies can enhance the "art studio" look. Remove family treasures such as Grandma's quilt from the room until rules around scissor usage are understood.
The Monkey
If your toddler uses every possible piece of furniture as a springboard or crash pad, turn the bedroom into a mini-gym, even if only temporarily. Clear all hard surfaces out of the room, put the mattress on the floor and remove breakables. Find the ceiling joists or rafters and use them to anchor eye-hooks made for heavy loads. Attach kid-safe hanging chairs, ladders or swings. Buy gymnastics mats or thick, foam snap-together mats to ensure safe landings.
The Pig Pen
If your child enjoys dumping out all of the toys more than playing with them, donate half of them and then create an easy-to-organize space that encourages cleaning up. Install shelving at the child's level and buy baskets that hold the toys but are still small enough to manage. Containers labeled with pictures, multiple hooks within reach and larger containers for oversized and bulky toys facilitate cleanups.
Embrace the Age
Toddlers are notoriously rambunctious, messy, even destructive. Rather than fighting it, learning to embrace this age and making slight adjustments to your home and will help ensure that you, and they, make the most of this fun, and oh-so-brief time in your lives.
Tags: your toddler, your child, artistic expression