The Benefits of Having a Playroom in Your Home

Play is essential to a child’s development and happiness, and there are many benefits to having a playroom in your home where your little ones can play freely. Having a playroom not only makes your life as a parent easier, it is also a wonderful tool for your children to learn, explore, and develop. While some families simply may not have an extra room in their house to dedicate solely to play, a play corner in the living room or bedroom can also offer many of the same benefits. But, if you do have the means to create a separate playroom, there are plenty of reasons to do so.

IT CONTAINS THE MESS

Toys, toys, toys. They can be an essential part of your children’s play, but boy, do they sure make keeping a tidy home a never-ending challenge. If your children play in a shared family space like the living room or kitchen, you might find yourself constantly picking up after them to prevent stepping or slipping on something. And, even though your kids know that the markers go in the marker bin and the stuffed animals go in the toy box, toys will inevitably end up somewhere they don’t belong. A playroom is designed to contain all that mess to one place in the house that’s just for playing. Even if toys are left out at the end of the day, they won’t be in the way of anyone who’s trying to use the bathroom, cook in the kitchen, or leave through the front door. Additionally, with all play items going in one room, staying on top of organization is easier. You and your kids don’t have to take trips to different rooms in the house to put things away, and tidying up can take just a few minutes of teamwork.

IT FOSTERS INDEPENDENT PLAY

If you set up your children’s toys in ways that are easily accessible and also inviting, you will encourage independent play. Rather than filling your playroom with baskets or boxes of mixed up toys, organize them so things are ready to be played with. You may want to consider implementing a toy rotation to keep things exciting and also less overwhelming. A large, soft play mat, a couch that’s just their size, and other soft seating, like this bean bag, can make their playroom cozy and inviting for quiet time activities, such as books, puzzles, drawing, or more. Make sure the room is thoroughly baby-proofed and clear of any hazards, so your children can play safely, undisturbed.

IT ENCOURAGES COOPERATIVE PLAY

Your children don’t have to share a toy or do the same activity in order to play together. Leave them to explore the playroom freely, and even if they choose different activities, playing side by side will naturally encourage cooperative play. Children are curious creatures and will take interest in what someone is doing near them. Additionally, if your little ones are in preschool or kindergarten, a playroom is a great space for hosting playdates. Not only is it convenient for parents, who can rest a little easier knowing that their kids are in a hazard-free room that’s set up just for them, it also encourages teamwork and teaches sharing.

IT PROMOTES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

If you have space aplenty, a playroom can be so much more than a room for toys. It can house play furniture like a slide, an indoor jungle gym, a trampoline, an indoor swing, and so much more. There are indoor jungle gyms that are designed for small rooms and utilize wall space, rather than floor space. If your children are older and can move their bodies confidently, a playroom with these types of items can encourage plenty of physical activity, and are a great way to combat boredom and limit screen time. Having an indoor space like this is also a wonderful way to stay active (and save your sanity!) in bad weather.