Who would have thought there was play and learning to find in a cutlery drawer?
First of all, there is curiosity to develop – many children love to have a nose around in a drawer
Then there is classifying, describing shapes, learning to be safe with sharp things, how to wash dishes (that’s a useful skill …)
All by helping you with a boring chore – do it for as long as you or your child is interested
Some mornings we just want to hide under the bedclothes, and it is no different for children
Building a den, or a fort, or a spaceship to be in can be a great help if children are worried or stressed.
And anyway, it is a fun way to develop planning and action skills, and end up with a place where it is nice to be cosy and have stories or play
It can be inside or outside, big or small. Your child might want to make it themselves, or for you to help (or do most of the work …). You might help them find materials like boxes, sheets, branches, etc
And think how to decorate it and make it a good place to be. Older children can help too to make it a family space, or everyone might want their own.
This kind of space can be very helpful for children who have sensory issues or who get over-stressed quite easily. Click here for some more ideas that might help them
Even in the most loving homes, we get on top of each other from time to time. Today’s idea is all about making a den, a place to feel safe and secure
At the same time, we learn all about what it is like to feel good, and how to manage if we feel stressed
And about personal space and why it matters, about being in control of things – and there is no limit to the stories and games we can make up in a well made den!
You can use a blanket, behind the sofa – anything you have to hand. Or take it outside (following health advice always) if you have a garden or balcony
This kind of space can be very helpful for children who have sensory issues or who get over-stressed quite easily. Click here for some more ideas that might help them
bumps to bairns 