Usually we don’t think twice about making all the interior design decisions around the house (and, occasionally, involving our significant others). But have you ever considered involving the kids? Strange suggestion, I know, but there are actually plenty of good reasons to do so. Here are just three…
1. IT GIVES THEM SOMETHING TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT
Who knows? You might inspire a hobby for interior design, or even a decision to pursue interior design academically or professionally.
2. YOU CAN MAKE IT FUN
If you give them a chance, kids can be great at holiday decorating, decorating with their favourite colours, and choosing specific items of furniture to make a space theirs. Think dining chairs around the table, for example.
3. IT FOSTERS RESPECT, MATURITY, AND FAMILY BONDING
If everyone’s on a level playing field, collaboratively furnishing a house actually involves quite a lot of planning, negotiating, compromising, and consideration of other people’s needs and interests. If you treat your kids with respect and give your kids some actual responsibility (while setting the rules governing the limits of what they can and when you’ll intervene), it can be a really good way to help them mature. You might even see them put their people skills into action (beneficially, of course) in other aspects of family life.
BY THE WAY, THIS DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO LET THE KIDS MAKE EVERY DECISION ABOUT HOW YOU DECORATE YOUR HOUSE
You’re the one who has to pay for it, after all! But give your kids the appropriate opportunities and responsibilities at the right time and place and you might just see them flourish in a way neither you nor they expect.