Inspiring Spaces for Children
Issue 15
Mindful Matters A New Education for Young Minds Three Surprising Benefits of Imaginative Play Real Room Reveals for Babies, Kids and Teens
Minds Full
MINTY
THREE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF IMAGINATIVE PLAY
2021
ST YLING MADELIN E MCFARL AN E PHOTOGRAPHY FR ANÇOISE BAU DET WORDS NICOLE R AY
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But there are other benefits to imaginative play that aren’t as commonly discussed. Here are three lesser-known reasons why imaginative play is so important for the development of our children. Imaginative play exercises the muscles of emotional intelligence According to Neuroscientist, Dr Stephen Porges, play is a neural exercise that helps children work through their fears, whether they be conscious or unconscious. Dr Porges refers to the neuroception of safety as an indicator of how well we develop in an unknown and often frightening world. Paediatric Psychologist, Dr Mona Delahooke further explains that when children feel safe in body and mind they can undertake essential requirements for healthy development – to play, grow and restore. When they don’t feel safe, they move into fight or flight, a state in which spontaneous play shuts down. P 17
Dr Delahooke concludes “Play is exercise for the child’s brain and body (they are connected) that enhances the development of emotional health. Play is fun, but it also allows children to explore uncertainty and fears under conditions of safety, gaining mastery over fears and across emotional states.” https://monadelahooke.com/cantlet-play-disappear-childrens-lives/ Imaginative play helps with smoother school transitions A 2020 study on the Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students, found that incorporating opportunities for unstructured play in conjunction with mindfulness practice could facilitate a smoother transition process in kindergarten children. The study found “through play and self-reflection, children strategize about change and transition which characterize early childhood.” In examining physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, increased physical activity (contributing to physical wellbeing), happiness (contributing to emotional wellbeing), and playfulness (contributing to social wellbeing) were identified following this combined intervention. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC7432887/
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ost of us are aware that imaginative play fosters creativity, improves problem solving and promotes both fine and gross motor physical development. It’s been well documented, and we may have experienced these benefits first hand with our own children, or children in our care.
Imaginative play isn’t just for kids
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Dr Stuart Brown ascertains that we all, children and adults, have untapped play resources that we can draw on in difficult circumstances. Our ‘play reservoirs’ have been provided to us by nature, and have seen the human race through varied historic situations. When we tap into them, we remain positive, upbeat and resilient. Dr Brown explains “When examining the lives of non-players, comparing them to play-fulfilled individuals, research has been able to show how play itself contributes to getting along better with ourselves, (play as a good anti-depressant) and certainly provides the tools to better get along non-violently, cooperatively and innovatively with each other.” https://www.playcore.com/news/ play-is-a-universal-gift-of-naturein-times-of-challenge-and-stress
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MINTY PICKS FOR CREATIVE PLAY
"Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance." – Joseph Chilton Pearce
– jnr.play –
Created to push the bounds of play, these oversized and lightly padded shapes give children an open-ended invitation to create, build and explore. Soft play has long been recognised as a building block of emotional and physical development as children engage, take risks and work through creative play scenarios. Jnr.play is available in four shapes in a beautiful tonal rainbow that complement each other as you build your collection. www.jnrlife.com
PLAY.ROOM-MATE IN CLOUD/OCEAN $290, PLAY.MOON IN OYSTER AND PALM $160 EACH, PLAY.ARC IN OCEAN AND SUNSHINE $185 EACH WWW.JNRLIFE.COM // SAGE ARCH DECAL FROM $140 WWW.MINNIEANDMEINTERIORS.COM // LETTER POSTER ART IN BLUSH $35 WWW.ALPHABERTS.COM // WOODEN FOREST SET $199 WWW.KIDOSTORE.COM //
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jnr.play is a collection of oversized soft-décor ‘play shapes’, handmade in Melbourne by the jnr.life team. With a passion for sophisticated and considered design, Jnr.Life are dedicated to producing high quality, family friendly products that complement grown-up interiors.
– Little Big Learning – Little Big Learning is an Australian women-led company on a mission to create beautifully designed, purposeful, and ethically made products.
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Inspired by Dr Emmi Pikler, Little Big have created a range of Pikler Triangles and accessories to provide children the opportunity for safe and self-paced exploration of body and mind. A Pikler Triangle is suitable from 6 months to 6 years of age and offers endless opportunities to develop gross motor skills, and nurture creative play as it transforms from climbing frame to car track, and cubby house to the winner’s podium. Add on the Little Pikler Arch & Rocker and watch in awe as babies climb before they walk, toy’s hit the high seas and dolls are rocked to sleep. The only limits are your child’s imagination. Made from sustainably sourced FSC Certified European birchwood ply and hardwood dowel, Little Big products are designed to last, to be handed down through the generations and to tread lightly on our environment. www.littlebiglearning.com.au
HYBRID PIKLER TRIANGLE AND LITTLE ARCH PACKAGE $715 & TECLA TABLE $220 WWW.LITTLEBIGLEARNING.COM.AU // LARGE SAHARA/LITTLE TROOPER PLAY MAT $190 WWW.RUGABUB.COM.AU // SAGE ARCH DECAL FROM $140 WWW.MINNIEANDMEINTERIORS.COM // LETTER POSTER ART IN BLUSH $35 WWW.ALPHABERTS.COM // BODY POSITIVE MANTRA DECAL PACK FROM $35 WWW.WONDERMADE.COM.AU // WOODEN FRUIT SET $109 WWW.KIDOSTORE.COM // PLAY.ROOM-MATE IN SUNSHINE/PALM $290 WWW.JNRLIFE.COM // WOODEN STACKING PUZZLE $30 , KITPAS CRAYONS $40 WWW.MINIVILLAGE.COM.AU //
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"Play energises us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us to new possibilities." – Dr Stuart Brown
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Perfect as a first weaning table for the youngest of babes, The Tecla Table is a contemporary kids’ table take on an old favourite – the simple school room desk. Its compact size will fit into the smallest of spaces and can be mixed and matched with the Little Big Mylk Stools or Cube Chairs to make the perfect configuration for your home. Handy features such as the shelf with its lift up lid and the 'ink pot' holder make this desk the perfect place for creative minds to flourish.
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"Let the children play! And if you have a few minutes, play with them. It's that easy, just follow their lead and they will work out their concerns and fears. It's the most therapeutic and growth promoting activity for kids." – Mona Delahooke, Ph.D.
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– Cattywampus – Born from a nostalgic appreciation of the simplicity enjoyed as children, Cattywampus set out on a mission to bring back the beauty of imagination by generating magical spaces that cultivate creative play. They created a range of play tents that are contemporary in design and made of 100% pure cotton canvas, offering a soft, yet durable haven for children’s imaginations to take flight. Providing children with a space of their own for play fosters independence, allows for privacy and provides a familiar sanctuary for endless adventures with their toys and friends. A cosy nook for cuddles and stories, or a well-needed shelter from siblings, you can be sure it is a place where many memories will be made. www.cattywampus.com.au
KIDS TENT IN WHITE $199 WWW.CATTYWAMPUS.COM.AU // PLAY.MOON IN PALM $160, PLAY.ARC IN OCEAN $185, PLAY. GO-ROUND IN OCEAN $170 WWW.JNR.PLAY.COM // LORENA CANALS WASHABLE RUG TRIBU NATURAL $572 WWW.ANTIPODA.CO // SAGE ARCH DECAL FROM $140 WWW.MINNIEANDMEINTERIORS.COM // LETTER POSTER ART IN BLUSH $35 WWW.ALPHABERTS.COM // WOODEN FRUIT SET $109 WWW.KIDOSTORE.COM //
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– Moov Baby – Have you ever met a Storyteller? One that weaves the most magnificent tales and makes you feel like you are right there in the story? Under the timber arches of the Moov Baby Storyteller every child is at the centre of their own story, transported to a world of creative play. This Waldorf inspired play stand with its child-centred design creates a space for quiet play or a retreat from the world. It is Australian made using
100% Australian grown timber and comes uncoated to bring the beauty of nature right into your home. Children may be transported into a magical forest, a sweet shop, cave, outer space, or under the sea! The Storyteller brings the beauty of wooden play equipment and imagination together, perfectly at home in any space. www.moovbaby.com.au
STORYTELLER $290 WWW.MOOVBABY.COM.AU // GARLAND BUNTING FLAGS IN TAN $59 WWW.CATTYWAMPUS.COM.AU // PLAY.MOON IN PALM $160, PLAYMAT ROUND IN LINEN $175 WWW.JNR.PLAY.COM // LORENA CANALS WASHABLE RUG TRIBU NATURAL $572 WWW.ANTIPODA.CO // SAGE ARCH DECAL FROM $140 WWW.MINNIEANDMEINTERIORS.COM // WOODEN FRUIT SET $109 WWW.KIDOSTORE.COM // LIEWOOD REX SNACK BOWL 4 PACK $55 WWW.DESIGNSTUFF.COM.AU // VARIOUS BOOKS BY WWW.MINIVILLAGE.COM.AU //
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A New Education MINTY
Raising Resilient, Kind and Compassionate Kids with Mindful & Co Kids
A holisitic mission Born out of the innate groundings that our mind, body and spirit are holistically intertwined, Mindful & Co Kids has a mission to inspire, strengthen, and foster happier, healthier more resilient young minds through mindfulness. The end goal? To change the staggering and alarming mental health statistics for young people. Mindful living Throughout her years of study, Mindful & Co Kids founder, Jacqueline Yeats, found herself spending countless hours researching the art of mindfulness, and the indisputable benefits it has for the mind, body and spirit. With the light, however, comes the dark. As a mother, child psychotherapist and qualified youth counsellor, the confronting truth about mental health and youth suicide statistics in Australia truly struck home. It was her work as a psychotherapist that opened Jacqueline's eyes to the benefits of mindfulness.
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Grounded by the belief that the principles of mindfulness and self-awareness can confront negative emotions before they take hold, Jacqueline began to introduce the concept of mindful living to her own child from a young age. The results were incontrovertibly positive. Before her eyes, she saw her daughter, during moments of overwhelm, hold the ability to self-soothe, regulate emotion, and practice self-awareness. Not just to herself, but to those around her, even their pet dog, Charlie. Mindful living had an immediate and positive effect on her child. This started a ripple effect throughout every area of her life. Jacqueline spent a further two years conducting research on the scientific benefits of mindfulness as a treatment for anxiety and depression as part of her research-based Master’s degree. As a result, Jacqueline holds the firm belief that mindfulness has the ability to help decrease youth suicide rates and helps young people overcome stress, anxiety, and depression.
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"Our mission is to inspire, strengthen, and foster happier, healthier more resilient young minds."
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LUCETTE'S ROOM SINGOLO BED , LITTLE NEST STORAGE CABINET WWW.PLYROOM.COM.AU FANCY GARLAND NATURAL GOLD WWW.COCOONLIVING.COM NY STATE OF MIND A3 PRINT WWW.ELMSSTORE.COM.AU OCHRE PILLOWCASE WWW.ILOVELINEN.COM.AU BLUSH WHITE SPOT LINEN PILLOWCASE, WEENIE MINI CUSHION COVER, COOKIE BUMBLE BLANKET WWW.CASTLEANDTHINGS.COM.AU BISCUIT LINEN FITTED SHEET WWW.INBEDSTORE.COM BEIGE GINGHAM LINEN SHEET SET WWW.ILOVELINEN.COM.AU FLOSS CHECK DUVET IN SINGLE WWW.SOCIETYOF WANDERERS.COM FRINGE RUG IN WHITE LANGDONLTD.COM.AU FOLLOW ME LAMP NIGHT LIGHT, ELLIS SILICONE SIPPY CUP, OPHELIA TOY TEA SET WWW.DESIGNSTUFF.COM.AU MR MARIA MIFFY LIGHT WWW.HIPKIDS.COM.AU
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Xavier’s room is designed to double as a guest room, so I wanted it to also feel appropriate for someone my age. A quick swap of some books and toys for vases and magazines and we can have guests in there.
inspired by their work and especially their use of colour and texture. I tend to also do a lot of shopping from what’s on set as there are often so many delicious accessories, lights, linen and toys.
We had recently bought Lucette the Plyroom bed and so I wanted her room to feel more grown up. My goal was sophisticated and feminine without it being too soft.
We often talk about the mood of the room. I wanted to create something calming for Xavier’s room so took inspiration from the Noosa Surfer picture. As the room is also our guest space, lush bedding was an important consideration.
What was your inspiration for each room? I am very lucky to be working with Minty Magazine on a regular basis where I get to visit so many amazing rooms and work with Nicole and Madeline in creating such beautiful spaces. I’ve learnt so much from them and always make mental notes of things that I really like. I am always
I wanted a brighter and more energetic mood for Lucette’s room to match her personality. I have family in New York, and spent time there myself, and as such felt drawn to the “I’m in a New York State of Mind’ print by Hotel Magique. It created the foundation for the room.
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MINTY
I ended up creating a built-in cabinet along one wall by doing a little IKEA hack. It’s been a great place to store and organise our Lego – phew!
XAVIER'S ROOM FRAMED PRINT BY FRANÇOISE BAUDET WWW.FRANÇOISEBAUDET.COM.AU GREY SPOT LINEN PILLOWCASE, ICE GREY VELVET PILLOWCASE WWW.CASTLEANDTHINGS.COM.AU MARINE BLUE STANDARD PILLOWCASE, GREY STRIPE FLAT SHEET, MARINE BLUE FITTED SHEET WWW.ILOVELINEN.COM.AU LINEN STRIPE THROW KATE & KATE CITRON/ PEACOCK DOUBLE SIDED QUILT WWW.SOCIETYOF WANDERERS.COM MARK TUCKEY SLAT ROUND OAK BEDSIDE TABLE WWW.ADAIRS.COM.AU FRINGE RUG IN TAN WWW.LANGDONLTD.COM.AU MONOGRAMMED POT MIDI WWW.POPPILEO.COM.AU WAVE ARTWORK BY CATHERINE BAUDET WWW.CATHERINEBAUDETART.COM.AU THE MIDI LOCKER IN NAVY WWW.MUSTARDMADE.COM SUNRISE RELAXED SWEATER FOREST BY GOLDIE + ACE, CAMERA PINK LENS WWW.COCOONLIVING.COM
With a concrete floor and white walls, I brought in some wood furniture to warm up the space. I love pieces like the white Mustard Made locker – so beautiful and practical. We can store a lot in there! What are your must haves/must do’s for keeping your home calm? While my home is rarely calm, what we can control – well mostly – is our physical space. My husband and I like having a place for everything so we can keep things relatively tidy and organised. Custom cabinetry has been a life saver. We recently installed a mudroom style cabinet in our entry way which means all that junk goes straight in there as we walk in the door and not littered throughout the house! A designated cupboard for the kids really helps and teaches them to put their things away, out of sight. P39
DUSTY KIPPIN ORGANIC COTTON BABY COMFORTER $49.95 WWW.KIPPINS.CO
Let's Shop Baby
PACIFIER BAG $21 WWW.THENAPPYSOCIETY.COM.AU
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RUBY MERINO WOOL BASSINET BLANKET – BUTTER $159 WWW.UIMI.COM.AU
ROVER 3 PRAM $799.99 WWW.BABYBEEONLINE.COM
BLAKE PERSONALISED LOUNGE TOP $39.99 WWW.IPDIPDO.COM.AU
MAPLE KNOTTED NEWBORN GOWN $49.95 WWW.LUNASTREASURES.COM.AU
LOVE MAE AUSTRALIANA SIPPY CUP $15 WWW.LOVEMAE.COM.AU LUXE BEECHWOOD PLAY GYM AND ACCESSORIES $179 WWW.WILDINDIANA.COM.AU
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WILLOW BACKPACK – TAN $365 WWW.SPARKOFWILD.COM.AU
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LARGE SAHARA / LITTLE TROOPER PLAY MAT $189.95 WWW.RUGABUB.COM.AU
COCOON SWADDLE BAG – DESSERT BLOOM $39.95 WWW.ERGOPOUCH.COM.AU
FREEZER PODS $25 WWW.WEANMEISTER.COM.AU
BETTY THE BEAR $29 WWW.JACLYNANDMATISSE.COM.AU
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CONVERTIBLE PRAM / SHOULDER ORGANISER $149 WWW.TOOTSANDCO.COM
QUILTED LINEN BABY PLAY MAT – CHESTNUT $154.95 WWW.MYWARRENHILL.COM
GOLDEN DAYS REVERSIBLE BABY BONNET $34.95 WWW.ACORNKIDS.COM.AU
HOODED NATURAL RATTAN BASSINET $499 WWW.KOKOCOLLECTIVE.COM.AU
DESIGN NICOLE ROSEN BERG, LIBERT Y INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY ROCH ELLE EAGLE WORDS HADASSAH HIN E
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The Places We'll Go N
icole Rosenberg knows something about the importance of children’s spaces within the family home. Founder of Liberty Interiors, the interior decorator and mum of three has honed her passion and expertise for creating beautiful spaces that are also practical and reflective of its inhabitant’s individuality. First-time parents, Jessica and Carly Wilde, were eager to reap the benefit of Nicole’s years’ of experience as they planned for the arrival of their baby. HUGO’S ROOM Wanting a room that was warm and inviting, the pair worked with Nicole to create a timeless space that could evolve with their child and reflect a few of their favourite things. So with travel, books and animals slotted into the design agenda, Nicole started with a foundation of earthy tones and classic navy blue via the Thibaut Pinellas wallpaper from Natty & Polly. The natural tones of the Bayliss Rugs Stripe Taupe White Rug and the Leather Stitched Stacked Handle by Made Measure add the desired warmth to the space.
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RIVER
BOW AND ARROW SET $60 WWW.BIRDEEANDBEE.COM
MOI MILI PENANT GARLAND – CIRCUS $60 WWW.BEEANDMKIDS.COM.AU
PERSONALISED COTTON BLANKET $112 WWW.NAMELYCO.COM
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LION WALL HANGING $99 WWW.NESTLINGANDNOOK.COM.AU
MOI MILI CANOPY – CIRCUS $220 WWW.BEEANDMKIDS.COM.AU
MAILEG MOUSE CAR & GARAGE $160 WWW.NESTLINGANDNOOK.COM.AU
RUST DOT OTTOMAN $149 WWW.HUNTERANDNOMAD.COM.AU
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