If you live in the suburbs, keeping your kids occupied and entertained day in day out can be a real challenge. Letting them watch television or play video games for hours on end isn’t exactly ideal, but what choice do you have? It’s not like they can go outside and visit their friends. And I’m sure your neighbours feel the same way.
Whether you’ve lived in the same street for years or you just bought a new place off a home-for-sale app, it’s not easy to find new sources of entertainment for the younger ones. Well, maybe the solution can fit in your backyard. A playhouse can be a safe space your children can call their own.
If built with sturdy materials, a playhouse can help your kids exercise their imagination and strengthen their creativity. Here are a few strategies to help you make the most of the backyard playhouse for your little tots.
#1 Make sure to let the light in
Playhouses are often small, which could make it musty and dark. Make the interiors more inviting simply by adding a few large doors and windows to let in air and natural light. You can even extend the amount of light your kids get by adding a skylight and using clear plastic sheets as the cover.
#2 Install chalkboard
Playtime is all about allowing your children to exercise their creativity and letting their imaginations run wild. One great way to make their playhouse more fun is to apply chalkboard paint on external and internal surfaces. This allows your children to draw on the walls whenever they want without having to repaint.
#3 Have fun with color combinations
Playhouses don’t have to be unsightly. You can even make them a part of your backyard. For instance, you can apply a darker color to the playhouse’s main structure to minimize the amount of dirt that can be seen. Add a few breaks to the drab slab with tasteful splashes of color on the doors and windows to make the house more fun. You can even hire an artist to paint a small mural.
#4 Encourage gardening
If you’re trying to wean your children off junk food and sweet snacks, you can install small planter boxes to the playhouse or place a few around it like a garden. You can teach your children to grow edible plants such as herbs, vegetables, and fruits so they can learn to appreciate eating healthy food.
#5 Choose the materials carefully
Not everyone can build a playhouse from scratch. For the less handy among us, many home improvement stores sell prefabricated playhouse models made from safe and chemical-free materials that can be easily assembled.
If you still want to make a few DIY touches, make sure that the materials are safe, durable, and free of toxic chemicals. Avoid anything sharp and recycled materials as you cannot check the chemicals that have been used on them.
#6 Prioritize safety
Your child’s safety is your paramount concern. Always ensure to file or sand down sharp edges and other rough areas to prevent scratches and splinters. Make it a point to inspect the playhouse regularly. If you’re building an elevated house, make sure the foundation and supports are sturdy enough to support the structure, the children, as well as a few pieces of furniture.
#7 Keep it out of public view
Your children might enjoy their playhouse, but your neighbors might not feel the same way. Make sure that the highest point of the playhouse is lower than the perimeter fence of your property. If you want to build a tall playhouse, discuss it with your neighbors or homeowners’ association first and make sure that it doesn’t violate any local laws and regulations.
The doors and windows of the playhouse must face towards your home and not towards your neighbors. Not only is this more private, but it also ensures that most loud noises are directed towards you and not the other direction. It’s also easier to look after the kids when you can see them your the door or window.
#8 Expand the play area
Playhouses are small, and it’s effortless to overcrowd one, especially if your child is playing with friends. If you can’t open up space by tearing down walls, you can expand the play area by adding a small deck or patio. Your kids will love you even more by making their playhouse look less like a toy and more like a real building.
A final word
These pointers will help you make better use of a playhouse. A playhouse isn’t just an ordinary playground toy. To children, it can open up a world of possibilities and enjoyment. Make sure to supervise your children during playtime.
