Make Your Child's Playroom More Fun

BY BECONRAD

Having fun is far from child's play, especially when your kids can't find the toys they want. If you have ever endured a tantrum as your child searches in vain for his or her favorite toy, you know just how frustrating a disorganized and crowded playroom can be.

If you want to make playtime more fun for your child and less stressful for you, smart organization is key. No matter how young your child, there are simple steps you can do to make playtime more fun.

❶ Start with a fun toy chest. A chest full of toys is lots of fun, and that is a good place to start. Bigger toys will be easy to find even in a relatively large storage chest.

❷ Set up a donation bin. Your kid may be tired of a particular toy, but that plaything can still provide joy for another child. Set up a donation bin in the playroom and encourage your kids to give their old favorites to someone new.

❸ Place a surprise somewhere in the room. If you want to make play- time more fun, hide a surprise toy somewhere in the playroom. It could be a brand new toy, or a forgotten plaything from years gone by.

❹ Organize the playroom with small storage bins. Stacking storage bins are great for playroom organization, so pick some up and say goodbye to lost and misplaced toys. Clear storage bins are great for finding toys quickly, while color-coded bins are attractive and provide easy organization.

❺ Set up a casual toy rotation. Playing with the same old toys can be boring, so rotate your child's toys for maximum fun. The rotation schedule does not have to be formal; just shake things up now and again.

❻ Make smart furniture choices. Beds with built-in storage drawers are great for keeping toys and clothes neat and organized. If it is time for a new bed or bedroom set, look for furniture pieces that do double duty.

 Encourage your kids to respect their toys. Let your kids know that toys are not free, and that their playthings should be treated with respect. Letting your kids earn their own money and buy their own favorite toys will further encourage them to respect the things they own.

If toys are spilling out of your child's bedroom and threatening to overrun the playroom, it is time to get organized. Every parent has stepped on an errant toy at one time or another, but the right organization can reduce the danger and make playtime a lot more fun. These tips can help you get started, so playtime can be fun for you and your child.