As any parent knows, the years fly by fast. It may feel like it was just yesterday that you found out you were going to be a parent and furiously started googling cute baby girl room ideas. Whether you settled on a woodland theme or princess, you surely put a lot of thought into it. Soon though, your baby became a toddler, and you transitioned to a toddler bed and eventually a “big kid” bed. Well, now your little one isn’t so little anymore and is entering their tween years. You may be at a crossroads about how you want to upgrade their room to reflect their interests better and make them more comfortable.
While your older child can undoubtedly add input into what they want their room to look like, you likely wish for specific design control and some say in the room’s aesthetic. Let’s take a look at some ways to transition your child’s room into a room fit for a budding teenager.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Anyone who does any renovations or upgrades to their home knows that there’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to switch things up. This is also an area where you can give your tween control of something. Even if the color they select doesn’t go with the rest of the style of your home at all, that’s what doors are for – to hide what’s on the other side! Personalities differ, and you want to instill creativity and confidence in your soon-to-be teenager, so let them pick the paint color or wallpaper. Other basics include light fixtures and switchplates. These simple upgrades can make a world of difference.
Size Matters
If your child has been sleeping in a twin bed for the last ten or twelve years, it could be time for an upgrade in this department. Teenagers are much bigger than eight-year-olds, and they’ll only keep growing. If the room has the space for it, ask them if they’d be into a full or queen size bed. They may even opt for a king! But size matters now. Additionally, take stock of the size of other furniture in the room. There may be small pieces like craft tables, bean bag chairs, or anything else that can be put in storage or sold. Out with the small and old and in with age-appropriate and new!
Details Matter, Even To Children
The devil is in the details, so make sure you’re taking into consideration your child’s age. While they’re likely used to sleeping with black-out curtains since their nursery days, they may need an upgrade. Investing in fine linen or cotton curtains for their more mature room is one that will pay off as you’ll keep these window treatments even after they’ve left the nest.
You also want to include items they’re into on their carefully curated bookshelves and desks. Things like globes, a nerd box, or a set of encyclopedias can give a mature touch to their room while keeping it whimsical and childlike in other areas. It’s not like you’re throwing out toys with the bathwater! There’s a delicate balance that needs to be struck during these transitional years between child and adult, so with the feedback from your child and your artistic insight, you should be able to come to a beautiful and happy medium.
Know Where To Save Or Splurge
Like all other renos, it’s wise to decide where to save or splurge. Tweens and teens are going through a lot hormonally and developmentally. Investing in high-quality bed linens and a good mattress is worth it to ensure they’re getting the appropriate amount of sleep at night. You can save on items like bookshelves and desks by going to stores like Ikea, Target or utilizing online marketplaces. You know your child better than anyone, so use that knowledge to prioritize where your budget areas should be big or small.
It may be a bittersweet feeling to complete this type of upgrade to your child’s room, but keep in mind it’s an important one. Part of our job as parents is to nurture our child’s individuality, creativity, and independence and to help them grow into mature, compassionate adults. By acknowledging they’re growing up through upgrading their living space, you are heading in that direction. Use the tips mentioned above to make it a smooth transition for everyone.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
p.s. Related posts:
Designing the Perfect Kid’s Room
Why Having a Home Library Is Easier Than You Think
Setting Up a Space Conducive to Learning at Home