FOR THE KIDS’ SAKE

Ways to welcome your favorite little visitors 

Maybe you’re at that stage in life when you can relax in a peaceful, quiet house without children underfoot — but somehow you still miss the joyful commotion. That’s because the infectious energy that children bring to a home is something the world’s best interior designers can’t match. 

If you have grandchildren or just want to be well-prepared when your young neighbors and families with little children stop by, we offer some ideas for hosting your smallest guests without giving up the comforts of home. 

My space
Children love places designed especially for them. It might be an entire playroom or treehouse, or it could simply be a reading nook in the corner of a room. Anywhere they can call their own. 

Photos: James River Media

When Diana Parker, a local grandmother, recently moved into a new home, she immediately knew that she wanted to make some special spaces for her three granddaughters, ages 8, 6 and 4, who visit her several times a week and occasionally spend the night. So she decorated her guest bedroom for them, complete with light lavender walls, sparkly rainbow bedding and a large stuffed unicorn. She opted for an adult-sized (queen) bed so it will accommodate them as they grow older and allow her to climb in with them and read a book. She also selected a dresser with soft-close drawers for safety and ease. Down the hall, the girls can take up temporary residency in the sunroom, which houses their toys, books, games, and a TV and DVD player. They can close the glass French doors if they choose, while their Gigi watches them from the great room. 

A key to keeping their visits exciting, Parker says, is “making sure they have toys and crafts that are different from what they have at home,” like some older board games that are hard to find in stores today. In the warmer months, she keeps baskets full of bubble wands and sidewalk chalk on the bottom shelf of a console table by the front door. 

Photos: James River Media

Another way to welcome little ones is to cater to their individual interests. Parker makes sure she has books on subjects that each of her grandchildren love. One is destined to be an artist, she says, so there’s always a craft box stocked with supplies. If you are planning to welcome families with children you may not know, it’s a good idea to call the parents beforehand to learn what activities they may like and their favorite foods. 

If you are going to host your grandchildren or other children on a regular basis, it’s always fun to have special projects you can do with them throughout the year. For Parker, it’s decorating tabletop Christmas trees with ornaments for each season or holiday. “It’s something fun they look forward to,” she says.

Photo: James River Media

Some ideas for ongoing projects are large puzzles for the older ones (they can chip away at it a little bit during each visit), fairy gardens (they can look forward to adding something new to the miniature landscape every time) and, of course, baking (buy custom aprons with their names and their own set of cooking utensils). 

Also focus on activities that can help teach organization and independence through play. Parker has bins for every type of toy, which not only keeps things tidy but also gives them the freedom to choose their own activities at any time. “They have lots of options. They have items they can pull out on their own and not necessarily have to be supervised with every minute,” she says. 

All are welcome
When you know you’ll be hosting little ones, you don’t have to fully child-proof your home the way you may have done for your own children, but you should take some time to canvas your house beforehand to make sure valuable keepsakes and hazardous chemicals or sharp objects aren’t within reach. 

When your guests arrive, it’s appropriate to lay ground rules with the children (and with parents, too) to help them understand that the space is still your home and to point out areas that are off-limits. 

Having a designated play area can help. If you’re entertaining adults in the same space, you can lay out a play mat or rug for the children; even a large blanket on the floor will do. If your young guests are visiting for the first time, keep a few toys stashed away — building blocks, cars, playsets, books and Play-Doh — and introduce them one at a time to see what they like without overwhelming them with a lot of items and ending up with a large mess to clean up. 

If they do get bored or start to get antsy, have a Plan B: change of scenery. If the weather is right, plan to take your company outside and have some yard games for the children to play or have them pick from a basket of outdoor toys (balls, Frisbees, jump ropes, etc.). 

Also don’t forget to pick up snacks and keep a set of kid-friendly plates, cups and utensils on hand. When my son was young, he visited our neighbors and always asked for their sweet tea. Their own children had grown and they weren’t grandparents yet, but they bought a leak-proof cup so my son could become a regular in their kitchen! 

Showing hospitality toward young children shouldn’t be any different than adults. Children also need to feel comfortable and safe, especially in a new place. So talk with them often and engage them in activities. Let them explore within your set limits, and when the unexpected happens — a spill or a tantrum — comfort them so they know they are still welcomed. You can have fun visits with little ones if you plan ahead, create special spaces and remember how much joy a child can bring to our lives.

Get creative 

WALL ART
Paint a small section of your wall or the back of a door with chalkboard or whiteboard (“dry-erase”) paint. You can install a picture frame around it so children know exactly where they are allowed to create their art, and it will be well-showcased. 

POP-UP PLAYHOUSES
Made of tent material, these come in many fun themes, from castles to a barn, rocket ship or food truck. They fold up quickly and may be tucked in a closet or under a bed. 

MAGNET SHEETS
Children love refrigerator magnets. The old letters and numbers we all played with are still popular, but all kinds of magnets are fun. You can buy magnet playsets and create your own scene, or just share a fun collection of magnets you have. A large cookie sheet makes a great magnet canvas. 

Photo Courtesy Of Bailey Brown

PLAY FURNITURE
Did you ever build forts out of couch pillows and cushions when you were a kid? Now you can buy furniture made just for this. Nugget (nuggetcomfort.com) offers convertible and fun play furniture that children can make into many different shapes and sizes. 

READING CORNER
Find a free corner, a few large pillows to line the wall, a small rug (even a thick bathmat will do), and place a basket of books or children’s magazines nearby. 

THE BIG PICTURE
Children love to go large. If you have a big floor space, a long hallway or a patio, buy a large roll of craft paper and let them create a mural. Grandparents and even older guests can join in and help create a fun, colorful scene. ✦