Children's Workspaces At Home
As more and more children are learning and working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important for parents to create a designated workspace for their child. A dedicated workspace can help children stay focused and organised, and can also provide a sense of structure and normalcy.
Here are some tips for creating an effective workspace for your child at home:
Find a quiet, well-lit space: It's important for children to have a quiet and well-lit space to work in, free from distractions such as TVs and electronics. This can help them focus and stay on track. Whilst some children (and adults) seem to be able to work with music on, most of us actually require ‘quiet’. If there is to be music on, the rule of thumb says that it should be ambient music with no lyrics to distract. However studies are showing that most of us do need some ‘quiet time’ and that the white noise of modern day life is something to occasionally get away from.
Make sure your child has the necessary equipment: Depending on your child's age and needs, they may require a computer, printer, textbooks, and other materials to complete their work. Make sure they have access to these resources, and keep a supply of pens, pencils, paper, and other basic supplies on hand. Not having what they need can be a serious problem for some, although in today’s world of ever rising prices, this can be very difficult for some parents. Please also be aware that many children find it incredibly difficult to ‘research’ properly. Help and support in this area is often essential.
Consider ergonomics: It's important for children to have proper posture and ergonomics when working at a desk or computer. Make sure your child's chair is the right height for their desk, and encourage them to take breaks and stretch to prevent fatigue. As a nation ‘bad backs’ are becoming endemic. Human beings simply aren’t designed to be sat down for the hours we now do. A few rules of thumb to help: knees below the hips (most chairs are far too low), get up and stretch every 15 minutes, research specialist back health routines which should include core/stomach exercises and try to raise the height you work at.
Create a organised and clutter-free space: A cluttered workspace can be distracting and can make it harder for children to focus. Encourage your child to keep their workspace organized and free from clutter. This can include putting away materials when not in use, using storage solutions such as bins or shelves, and having a designated place for everything. Some argue that a clutter free work space leads to a clutter free mind, and even if you don’t subscribe to this view, showing your child how to organise their ‘stuff’ can be time very well spent.
Personalise the space: Allowing your child to personalise their workspace can make it feel more comfortable and inviting. This can include adding their own touches such as posters, stickers, or other decorations….as long as it doesn’t become too cluttered! Plants are often a very nice addition.
Establish rules and boundaries: It's important to establish rules and boundaries around your child's workspace, such as no electronics during work times, and to respect each other's space. This can help create a sense of respect and responsibility, and can also help prevent disruptions or distractions. If you can afford it, a smart looking and grown up ‘home office’ can be very motivating.
The time at which your child works is often crucial. Most (not all) children can procrastinate and work far too late. Try to allow a break after school (with exercise is by far the most effective) then try to get ‘homework’ done as soon as possible, so it doesn’t hang over them. Lessons in time management are often very worth while. Tho please be aware that dealing with procrastination is nearly always an emotional problem rather than purely organisational.
In conclusion, creating a designated workspace for your child at home can help them stay focused and organised, and can provide a sense of structure and normalcy. By finding a quiet, well-lit space, providing the necessary equipment, considering ergonomics, creating an organised and clutter-free space, personalising the space, and establishing rules and boundaries, you can create an effective workspace for your child at home.
