Kids Room - Image by clg2071
Do you have children? Or grandchildren? Or friends with children? Or maybe you know of a shelter that cares for children. It can be hard to figure out what it is our kids really want. The newest video game? A bike? Peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and honey?
One area that’s actually easier to figure out is their space. They really want their own space. A place that feels good. A place that feels safe and secure. When they walk in they glow with delight. And even better? You can create that space easily.
Sadly there are many kids that live in a troubled space… they may be going through a divorce or an issue with their friends. School might not be going well or maybe they just are feeling out of sorts…maybe they’re feeling pressure from their peers. Where do they go to be accepted and safe… is it at home? Their space isn’t the entire home…it’s their own personal space. Is it their bedroom or part of a room they might have to share?
We found a book (actually a couple) that we thought you might enjoy. It’ll help you create safe places for your kids or your grandkids or maybe you want to volunteer to give it to kids at a shelter. How great would that be? Painting kids spaces is really our favorite. How about you?
Anyway…do you think parents can learn to accept the “decorating” habits of kids? Can a parent embrace the creative nature of kids and let them have their very own “space”? Will a parent share in the creative needs of kids and help to make the space “safe” and loving? It’s sometimes not all that easy because what they want … and what you want…don’t always mesh up very well. What you have to do is remember…this is THEIR space. Their little sanctuary.
Kids' Sacred Places
The author of this book, Kids’ Sacred Places, involves the reader in stories about kids healing through hands-on “decorating”.
Meet Henry… his parents are divorced, and he is reminded of his dad’s farm through the decor (some made by himself) in his room
Meet Jessica… her self-esteem was low. Now she has a place of belonging in her own room. Where others won’t make her feel inferior.
Meet Anna and Alexis. Step-sisters overcoming their anger and becoming friends through the power of decorating and hands-on decorating.
The book is filled with stories and photographs showing readers how to take good childlike ideas – from the heart – and turn them into something with their hands. Including them in the process gives them ownership, too.
Every project is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, questionnaires and fun exercises.
House of Belief: Creating Your Personal Style
The artist, Kelee Katillac, was featured on “Oprah” at one time with her book House of Belief. A ‘reformed interior designer’, artist, creative therapist and author, Kelee’s first book, House of Belief: Creating Your Personal Style lead to writing this new book kids… Kids’ Sacred Places.
Remember…sometimes a good place to help your kid get ideas is from magazines, movies, their favorite books…even coloring books work! But let them pull the ideas in. You can “help” but don’t dominate. Don’t squash. Let them choose as much as possible.
If they’re old enough, let them do the painting and drawing and – well – let them do it all. Let them have their friends over to help. If they aren’t old enough let them help as much as possible. 
Remember…it’s only paint. But it’s their sanctuary.
If you don’t do anything else…go read the first few pages of Kids’ Sacred Places. The stories just on those first few pages are really inspiring.
