Some new spaces for the little one.

First, let me say, that I feel really fortunate to be able to write about the little one's new work and play spaces. As a Montessori guide, over the last few years of my parenting journey, I've had to reconsile between my ideals and my reality in regards to our own creation of child friendly spaces for Beatrix. True, then and now, I know in my heart that what children need above all else, has very little to do with the look of their art shelf, playstands, or organic wool Waldorf dolls. I think so many of us know that their needs are much deeper than that. How simple yet humbling it is to realize that what they really need comes from within our very own souls -  that is, to be in the presence of someone worthy of imitating. Still, from my own perspective, an environment can not be ignored. An environment is a powerful influence. Being in the presence of beauty can certainly inspire energy and love for the world around us. 

Our previous homes were small - 800 square feet or less.  And though I admit to having a knack for organizing and using space wisely (my mom taught me well), I did eventually feel that we had maximized our living quarters to the best of our abilities.  Quite frankly, allowing Beatrix to choose, move, and work independently didn't always work perfectly in our well loved but tiny homes, because we were limited by space. This was fine. We have no regrets. Children are adaptive and forgiving. She is, I'm sure, all the better for it.  

Now, we have the space we need. It's not gigantic at all, but I must confess, this home seems luxurious in comparison. When we moved into our home last month, Beatrix's bedroom was the first room of the house I "completed". I love children's spaces. They can be so cheerful, bright, innocent, and timeless all at once. I've loved creating hers, tweaking it as she has grown. The majority of her belongings are either hand-me- downs or thrifted. I love the patchwork this piecemeal collecting has created. 

Also, I can not  write this post without talking about Beatrix's response to her little nooks in our home. Beatrix is fiercely independent. She absolutely thrives on being challenged to do things for herself.  From her earliest days, she has exhibited this force to care for herself and her environment. It has truly been an awakening for both Byron and myself - to watch her bloom. I know this statement sounds so generic, but it's so true! What a profoundly interesting notion to think as well: how much of a person is the result of nurture and how much is the result of their being  - their own spirit.  We'll never know with certain, but I find it hard to believe that we created this little person and her habits - her ways. My intuition tells me that she is in control. She is who she is and she has been the one in charge - creating herself. 

She is still very much the same child I've written about here and here. That is, who she was is who she is still.  If Beatrix has a task to do near Byron or I, she's a happy, content little one. She works and sings. She works and dances. She works and imagines. She works and plays. She flows. So throughout our home and our outdoor space, Byron and I strive to design our lives in a way that can include her. She is, afterall, so very capable and so very willing. 

Her bedroom is a place that she mostly sleeps in. Yes, she's slept in her own bed since she was six months old. It was her choice, not ours. We literally followed this child to her very own floor mattress! Lots of times, she'll take her toys to the living room or kitchen and play with them near wherever we are in the house. She'll play in her bedroom if we are near her, before or after sleeping, or with another friend!

The little art shelf near the kitchen mimics the art shelf at The Natural Child. Bea loves school. She loves the Montessori environment. She loves choosing her work and putting it away. It works very well for her. The Montessori environment speaks to her orderliness and independence. She feels empowered by the decision making.  As one can imagine, her little work shelf has been a real hit. Though basic in what it offers, I think it's just enough to inspire her. Right now, she can choose from cutting, drawing, water colors, and pasting. The bottom shelves also serve as the home to some of her play kitchen materials.   

Her play kitchen is also a much loved area. Though unless there is someone to play with her there, she usually prefers to participate in the real meal preparation and cooking as opposed to pretend kitchen play. Lately, she's been using her play kitchen as her work station. She'll grate cheese or chop vegetables there.  

Throughout our home, there are little accessories that we've added to help serve Beatrix's drive for independence and participation -  a good step stool in the bathroom, a coat hook at the front door, hooks for her broom, mop, and dustpan in the mud room, a low kitchen cabinet to place her dishes and napkins. These little adjustments make a world of difference to her sense of well-being. More than a bin full of  toys or the business of extra-curricula lessons, she discovers the world and thus discovers herself through meaningful work with her hands near the ones she loves and trusts the most. 

Oh, and if you haven't discoverd Pinterest. Please check it out.  It's an addictive source of inspiration to all of ones creative endeavors! I've had the most fun discovering and sharing with like minded folks there. Enjoy!!!  

Comments

[Stephinie]

love this..... you have an eye for color and simple beauty :)

[Erin @ Wild Whispers]

What a beautiful space. I love the bright, open spaces to LIVE in. Thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope that we won't be in our small cramped space forever.

[amanda (sweetpotatoclaire)]

I LOVE this~ so timely with our recent 'finishing' of Claire's little room. Of course, now you've given more good ideas.

As far as pinterest goes.... I've been debating and have only held back this long out of fear of becoming addicted!

cheers!

[howwemontessori]

So, so beautiful and inspiring. Her room is just gorgeous. Well done on creating such a lovely and warm space.

[Madewithloveuk.wordpress.com]

what a beautiful space, so homely and cosy too, thanks for sharing x

[Account Deleted]

I am spellbound. This space is so beautiful and calm. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing! Flavia

[Nichole]

Thank you Flavia! Putting it together is such fun! Seeing her love and use her spaces so dearly is icing on the cake.

[Nichole]

Thank you so much! It's continues to be a work in progress as she grows and changes and I find other little things to incorporate in to her play/work environment.

[Nichole]

Thank you so much! Your home is equally inspiring!

[Nichole]

Thank you Amanda! I hope Claire is enjoying her room a lot these days!! Oh yes, Pinterest, I failed to mention that it is just another way in which the internet pulls us in, isn't it?? We moved our computer to the back room which has worked wonders for my self discipline and screen time. It's no longer staring at me in the living areas where I can constantly access it. For that, I am so grateful.

[Nichole]

Erin, 1400 square feet feels like a castle to me! So nice! But I probably wouldn't appreciate it as much if I hadn't spent a lifetime in tiny abodes. Thanks for stopping by!

[Nichole]

Thanks Stephinie!! It's been fun - all this settling in!

[Grover Gatchel]

Whoa, that looks good. It feels great to get all the work done and balance practical function with aesthetics. Making a room comfortable can be a pretty tough deal, but like a work of art, it is satisfying to see all that you've worked for fall into place.