What Makes a Home Office Kid-Friendly for Learning and Play?

Many parents love the flexibility of being able to work from home. However, a home office often serves as more than just a space for parents to conduct virtual meetings and respond to emails.

Today’s home offices also function as shared spaces that support children’s learning and playtime endeavors.

Fortunately, it is possible to create an office that can appeal to both needs, ensuring that parents can have a professional workstation that is also kid-friendly.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover how to design a home office that can offer both polished workspaces and imaginative play zones.

Define Different Office Zones

Even the coziest office space can hold dual roles. You’ll just need to be thoughtful about how you map out the different zones within it. Designate one part of the office for the professional workspace.

This is where you’ll place a desk, computer, printer, and other key items for working remotely. Then create a second space that can function as a kid-friendly play zone. This is where you can place bins of toys, games, and other activities that will keep your kids entertained.

While more spacious offices might make divvying up space easy, smaller offices will require a little more creativity. Use low bookshelves, rugs, or other physical objects to help construct barriers between zones. A colorful shag rug, for instance, could be the perfect way to contain your child’s toys and define a play space.

With clear zones, you’ll be able to stay on top of the organization. Baskets and bins can contain kids’ items like books, stuffed animals, and puzzles. Use stacked plastic drawers to contain art supplies or smaller toys. And make sure the drawers are clear so kids can find what they want without asking for help.

For the parents, file cabinets, bulletin boards, or wall-mounted shelving help maintain a clean and orderly workspace.

Foster Career Conversations

Once your kids are a little older, you can think of a shared office space as an ideal place for both play and professional development. Even elementary school-aged kids will be absorbing your actions like a sponge.

So, take the opportunity to explain to them what you do – and how some of their educational games are laying the groundwork for academic achievement and future career paths.

Remember that showing kids the relevance of something can inspire them to stick with it.

With a field like accounting, for instance, you can spark interest by encouraging your kids to play math games and learn about money.

Take a few minutes away from your work tasks to talk about the benefits of using savings accounts, or enlist your child’s help to plan the family grocery budget. Talk to them about the kind of education a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) needs, and what your daily tasks look like.

They might ask, how hard is it to become a CPA? You can assure them that the problem-solving and analytical skills they’re using every day will come in handy if they pursue this career path.

If your child shows interest, invest in age-appropriate resources.

Some online games can simulate entrepreneurial experiences, like running a business. Older kids can participate in junior achievement programs or other groups at school that focus on investing or business operations.

Choose the Right Furniture for the Job

Your child could be playing with dolls one year and asking you about accounting just a few years later. You’ll need furniture that can stand up to wear and tear as well as your child’s constantly evolving interests.

Focus on choosing ergonomically designed furniture to support comfortable play spaces that can grow with your child. This could include a small table that doubles as a craft station, for example, or a chair that converts into a reading nook.

Opt for modular-style bookshelves that can be rearranged or added onto easily. In smaller spaces, look for furniture that can serve multiple functions. A bench with storage inside or collapsable desk can offer creative solutions that won’t occupy a big footprint.

Don’t forget to embrace some creative touches, too. Younger kids would enjoy a chalkboard or whiteboard on the wall. As they watch you type or jot down notes, they’ll mimic your behavior with some doodling on the wall.

Bulletin boards are another great option to display art, and a defined reading nook will be an ideal space to curl up with a book or game. And while you might prefer muted tones in your workspace, you can introduce a few bursts of color without disrupting the tone of your office. Add a jazzy throw rug or cushion to craft an inviting playspace for your child.

Maintain a Schedule

You’ll be busy hopping from meetings to emails in your workspace. And you’ll be checking your calendar to see what the next agenda item is and crossing items off your to-do list. Don’t underestimate the power of routines for kids, as well. You can establish a rhythm for them so they get the sense of predictability that can help them focus.

Create a routine for your kids that includes both independent play and focused learning. When your child learns how to focus on a specific activity, that will help them in their future, and it will help you find some uninterrupted time to chip away at a work-related task.

Consider creating visual calendars or task lists you post on the wall. Schedule break times and blocks where you both sit quietly working on projects.

Kids learn by watching you, and they’re naturally curious about how you spend your work days. Giving your child the space to observe and ask questions should be part of your workday rhythm, too. You’ll help model what it means to be an efficient and dutiful worker. And you’ll teach them the benefits of time management and responsibility.

Create a Kid-Friendly Home Office

Yes, a kid-friendly home office should include bins of toys and bursts of colors. But you’ll also want to create a space conducive to creative exploration, inspired play, and educational growth. You can do this without interfering with your own productivity.

Pay attention to layout and choose adaptable, space-saving furniture that can allow your child’s play space to grow with them. And permitting time for your child to ask questions and learn from your work habits will set a positive tone that informs how they approach their own careers and responsibilities down the road.