Let me just start by saying that I am a bit of a minimalist and that does influence my approach to things.
Also, I am not an expert. At the end of the day always do what works for you. Take from this what you need.
Things I have learnt...
1. You do NOT need a playroom.
Play spaces can be successful without having a lot of space. Work with the space you have.
- Start with a shelf that suits your space.
- No space for a shelf? Look at utlising the tv cabinet or try putting magnets on the fridge, A basket of cars under the coffee tablet, etc.
- Is there a corner that you could use?
2. Dont get it all at once.
Instagram and pinterest are great for Ideas but sometimes what we would like does not work in the space we have.
- Gradually get things.
3. Less is more.
Minimise the clutter. Make things easy to see and easy to access = Less Mess + More play.
- Have toy collections grouped together. Eg. Cars are kept with cars, Blocks with blocks.
4. Make it a yes space.
These things can help with independent play because they reduce, their need and our need to interrupt the play.
- Only have out things you are happy for them to play with and happy to help them tidy up.
5. How do you fit in the space?
Kids like playing near or around you. Sometimes having toys in a playroom or their room doesn't work because they want to know where you are.
- Have a couch, beanbag or playmat for you to sit on. A good play mat really encouraged us to sit on the floor with them and play.
If you a little bit more on the topic, Tiffany from Simplifying Childhood, has a podcast on Shopify which I feel compliments this topic really well. Click here. If the link doesn't work each for Simplifying Childhood and click on Toy Audit Podcast.