Huntsville Living November 2024 | Page 16

16 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024

Transform a playroom into a space that grows with the family

Parents typically make certain changes around a home to ensure it ’ s accommodating to children . Childproofing is a necessity , but entire rooms also may be transformed with children ’ s enjoyment and well-being in mind .

It ’ s common for homeowners to set aside rooms for children to play and explore . These playrooms may initially feature infant swings and bouncers , and eventually start to accumulate the toys that kids receive on holidays and birthdays . Easels , building block sets , puzzles , video games , books , and so much more fill these playrooms where young children spend the majority of their time engrossed in imaginative play .
But as children grow , playrooms may no longer be necessary . Homeowners can ensure these rooms evolve with the family , and here are a few ways to do just that .
Make it a home theater / gaming room
The National Institutes of Health says children between the ages of eight and 17 spend an average of 1.5 to 2 hours playing video games each day . It ’ s important for parents to monitor their children ’ s gaming , particularly when kids participate in social platform games that involve people with an internet connection chatting and working together . One way to do so is to locate the gaming setup in a central location , like a home theater room .
Establish a hobby space
Trade in kids ’ toys for “ toys ” that everyone in the family will enjoy . Turn the room into one where family members can explore their passions . This may include scrapbooking , painting , yarn crafts , collecting , photography , and more .
16 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024