The Project Simplify challenge this week became a little more in-depth so I decided to split it out into two separate posts. This project features the creation of a quiet activity desk for my preschooler. I used some wasted space to carve out a special area for her to enjoy in the nursery when I’m busy with the new baby next month.
I recently had an interior designer, Dina from Honey & Fitz, come for a visit to help me plan out the kid’s room as it shifts from a girly one to a shared girl/boy bedroom. We also reviewed the layout of the nursery and debated what to do with this random desk space that was built into the room. We never used it as a desk, even when the room was my home office. Once I cleared off all the clutter, including the day care notes from years past, the desk looked so lonely. I realized that it could be a good place for the kid’s to be entertained while I’m busy nursing the new baby. This led to the creation of the “Quiet Desk.”
The desk offers great work space and it’s just the right size for a child. Madison said, “I can do my homework here.” Cute since she is a long way off from homework days, but she already gets the concept of it. While I’m happy the desk is now functional, I would love to add a couple more interesting things on the wall to look at. Maybe a fun map to start talking about geography, or some hanging clipboards with activity sheets attached to them. The goal is to have some activities that the kids can do independently when I don’t have any hands free.
When I search on Etsy for Quiet Books, there are so many fun options, depending on the age of your child. I really like this quiet book from Handcrafting Harmony as it offers lots of fine motor skill practice.
I’m curious to see how well the two “big kids” share this new space. When I introduced it to them it was a hit, except it’s a little tight for two little people at the same time. I also need to find a little place mat as I think the crayons will soon decorate the desk instead of paper the way my little guy colors.
What other activities would you add to this quiet space? Any other tips for entertaining older kids while you are busy nursing a newborn?
For Part 1 of this week’s Project Simplify, check out the How to Organize Your Gift Wrap post.
For more organizing ideas, head over to the collection of posts on Simple Mom’s week three round-up of “pile” projects. You can see all of my other Project Simplify posts here. Up next week~ the put off project! You know you have one…
This is shared with Growing Slower’s Tuesday Baby link-up
Congratulations! I found you from Tsh’s link up. What a fabulous idea! I hope it works out well for you. Do you have a bean bag chair or a big pillow for the child who isn’t at the desk? I might try some books on CD for them, too, while they keep they’re hands busy–helps keep the noise level down, too.
Thanks for both suggestions Alana. The kids like the Dr. Seuss stories read to them from the iPad, that will be a great spot for that. ~Emily
I think this is an awesome idea for the kids to have a special space to play independently while you are busy with the new baby. I’m in the same boat (due with my 3rd in about 2 weeks), but I don’t have anything that nice for my kiddos. 🙂 The only other thing I can think of that you don’t already have listed is maybe some busy bags? There are tons of ideas for those on the internet, and I know my kids love them (ages 3.5 and 2). Good luck with the new little one!
Good luck Katherine! The busy bags are a great suggestion. I’ll have to look into them. ~Emily
Great article. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well.
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