Our indoor playhouses are the perfect playmate for your little one! They're an excellent choice for your child's growth, with unlimited play possibilities and benefits in the cognitive realm of development, including opportunities to practice creativity, communication, and problem-solving. On top of limitless fun and mental benefits, our playhouses also present the opportunity for social-emotional learning. Our "Calming Cottages" enhance children's well-being by providing a safe and serene spot to think, play, and learn.
Why Mindfulness Matters
Psychology Today says mindfulness is "a state of active, open attention to the present." With the world around us moving at full speed, it sometimes feels as though we can't focus on the present moment because we are so busy thinking about the prior events of the day and what is coming next. Being in the present moment and truly appreciating that time, is an essential skill that all people, including children, can learn to develop. Focusing on simple mindfulness practices can benefit kids, including increasing relaxation, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing sleep quality.
Consciously Created
Our re-invented playhouses were consciously created with a range of needs in mind. We wanted the playhouses to be convenient, eco-friendly, and comfortable. We considered a multitude of color palettes and design options before intentionally deciding on a muted color scheme to conjure a calming feeling. This design choice allows our indoor playhouses to complement any existing decor and creates a calm space for children to call their own.
Top 5 Reasons Calming Cottages Are Perfect for Kids
- Safe Spaces: Our "just right" sized playhouses are cozy and comfortable for children, making them stress-free zones for relaxation.
- Encourages Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation: This environment encourages them to be in the present moment and focus on their emotions.
- Enhances Focus and Concentration: The intentional design of our cottages minimizes distractions and allows children to focus. Enhanced concentration skills can lead to improved academic performance down the road.
- Supports Sensory Needs: Humans benefit from environments that cater to their sensory preferences. Whether you have a child who requires specific sensory needs or not, the sensory-friendly elements of our playhouses make them the perfect base for your child's comfort.
- Fosters Creativity and Imagination: Our best ideas often come during downtime, when we can let our minds wander, and our imaginations run wild. The calming and aesthetically pleasing cottage can inspire creativity and imaginative play.
How to Implement "Calm Time"
We can all intentionally choose to embrace mindfulness, calm times, or calm techniques as caregivers. We can set our children up for success by providing them with the time, space, and tools to learn to become more mindful and focus on the present moment.
Here are some tips to get you started on your "calm time" journey:
- Set expectations: Let your child know that you're going to be trying something new and explain to them why mindfulness or "calm time" is important for their well-being. Explicitly sharing the benefits with them will help get their "buy-in" for the new activity.
- Pick a time frame: You can set a timer and show your child progress along the way so they are aware of the time commitment that is expected of them.
- Eliminate technology: Make this time a digital detox for them. Although we sometimes find watching TV or a tablet relaxing, it is a form of entertainment and does not provide the same benefits as intentionally being in the present moment.
- Limit distractions: Find a cozy, comfortable spot (like inside one of our "Calming Cottages") where kids are protected from the outside world.
- Praise progress: The first few times you try this, it will not be perfect. Just like any new activity, it will take some getting used to before you see results. Make sure your kids know that you're proud of their attempts at mindfulness and that it is something they can keep working toward!
Keep Calm and Make It Cute
Starting something new comes with its own set of challenges but keeping calm will help you see the benefits. Staying consistent when implementing a new routine is key for its success. Make “mindful moments” part of your family vocabulary, referencing it when you talk about your own mindfulness practices and while teaching your children age appropriate ways for them to practice as well. Check out this idea for teaching a mindfulness technique to littles as well as more ideas from our friends at the Mindful Child Initiative on their Instagram.
Connect with Us
For more ideas on transforming your playhouse into a "calming cottage," connect with us on Instagram @MakeItCuteKids! Do you have any tips and tricks for introducing mindfulness to kids? Share them here!