You have already applied some tips I gave on my post Keeping Children's Crafts and Art Supplies Organized. But for some unexplained reason their crafts STILL get everywhere? The culprit could be the space they work on! I know that having them on the kitchen table, makes it easy for you to check on them while you cook dinner; but it makes it really hard for them to clean up for themselves. Moreover, it is not that comfortable nor safe! Imagine having your computer on a table let's say at you eye level, or a table higher then you! Now, imagine sitting on a chair you would have to climb up on just to have your feet hanging down when you sit. Can you work for an hour on your knees? Maria Montessori was the first person to develop children sized furniture and rooms because she understood through years of observations that the children did not have a sense of belonging to a world they did not fit in! Indeed, when you buy a table FOR your children, you will see a sense of pride when they first sit on that chair and in most cases, a big smile! When furniture is proportional to children's size, they not only keep a better posture, by being able to rest their feet on the floor and their back on the back, but they also gain independence!
When it is time to clean up and serve dinner, YOU have to help because taking things up and down and out of a table hard to reach... not easy! On a kids table even a young toddler can help and learn to the clean up! That will give them even more sense of belonging, of responsibility and of capability! You will see how much they will enjoy going from working on their art piece, to clean up, and eating!
When it is time to clean up and serve dinner, YOU have to help because taking things up and down and out of a table hard to reach... not easy! On a kids table even a young toddler can help and learn to the clean up! That will give them even more sense of belonging, of responsibility and of capability! You will see how much they will enjoy going from working on their art piece, to clean up, and eating!
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| Carolina Craft Table by Pottery Barn Kids |
I wish this Pottery Barn Kids table existed when I had my children!! It comes in white and 3 wood finishes. Available in different sizes, with or without drawers, with or without chairs (many colors), with or without the carts for storage and with 2 sets of legs of different heights, so it grows with your child! The first picture shows the table with toddler size legs and the one above shows it with longer legs. Genius!
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| Detail of Carolina table |
And the Carolina Table comes with a craft paper holder. Such a good idea if your children will use the table for arts and crafts. The paper can also serve as a protective surface when working with glue or scissors! It is true though, that this is a larger table and not everyone is able to accommodate a table this big.
Remember, when looking for furniture for your little ones there are some factors you always have to consider. But most importantly, it's safety! When choosing table with chairs, look for durable quality material. You can't beat wood on that! Also, look for heavy, solid pieces. Toddlers climb, climb, climb! On the chairs you will have to look for extra wood on the bottom. Their only purpose is safety! If a child sits on the edge of a light chair, it will trip over! Lastly, aim for rounded corners and edges. The table can be a perfect square, but if the table is made specifically for children, the edges should be smooth, not sharp! See the detail of the corner on the picture above.
This table, or this one are the most similar to the one I had for my little ones for 8 years, and that now it's being well used at the home of the cuties of the pictures bellow! Even though the chair is still too tall for the little one, it's a breeze for him to climb up and down from it! Look how much wood there is between the legs of the chair! A heavy bottom makes for a super safe chair! Unfortunately, Little Tikes does not manufacture that one anymore, but there are many others on Amazon, where I got mine years ago. And many are still a good option! Some are fun and colorful, others have extra storage to help you keep papers and crayons organized! Look around and get your little ones a table! They will love it! And so will you!
Remember, when looking for furniture for your little ones there are some factors you always have to consider. But most importantly, it's safety! When choosing table with chairs, look for durable quality material. You can't beat wood on that! Also, look for heavy, solid pieces. Toddlers climb, climb, climb! On the chairs you will have to look for extra wood on the bottom. Their only purpose is safety! If a child sits on the edge of a light chair, it will trip over! Lastly, aim for rounded corners and edges. The table can be a perfect square, but if the table is made specifically for children, the edges should be smooth, not sharp! See the detail of the corner on the picture above.
This table, or this one are the most similar to the one I had for my little ones for 8 years, and that now it's being well used at the home of the cuties of the pictures bellow! Even though the chair is still too tall for the little one, it's a breeze for him to climb up and down from it! Look how much wood there is between the legs of the chair! A heavy bottom makes for a super safe chair! Unfortunately, Little Tikes does not manufacture that one anymore, but there are many others on Amazon, where I got mine years ago. And many are still a good option! Some are fun and colorful, others have extra storage to help you keep papers and crayons organized! Look around and get your little ones a table! They will love it! And so will you!
More on organizing kids crafts coming soon!
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