Home is where the heart is, as the saying goes. For Children to find their sense of belonging they need to participate in the routines of home life. If your home is designed for your entire family, your children need to be able to be as independent as possible and be able to contribute to the daily operation of maintaining a home.
In the kitchen and dining room, if this area is designed with children in mind, there should be some lower shelves and cabinets and a low table for a workspace. Shelling peas, setting the table, and a
degree of patience while they are learning to fine tune their abilities. Even cleaning up a spill is an opportunity to learn to clean up a mess and be independent.
Children are drawn to water and the bathroom is the perfect place to learn the care of oneself. Platform stools to assist with height and small towels that can be hung on low hooks, and a small basket or tray with their soap and washcloth are all in one place will reinforce their sense of order and independence.
A child’s bedroom should be designed for independence. Bed coverings should be light so a child can make their own bed, and again, a low table and chairs should be included. A bedside lamp can be placed in a way so a child can turn it on at night to use the bathroom. Shelves should be accessible so they can return toys to “their place’ when not using them and a full-length mirror so they can manage self-care as much as possible.
Extended child inclusive design extends easily into the living room and even the outdoor areas, for a house designed for the whole family gives children a help to life.
Christina Miller Owner/Head of School: Millhopper Montessori School