Getting your child to switch off the TV and the video games is not easy. In fact, it usually turns into quite a large battle that can rage on every day. On top of that, your child may have thousands of excuses to delay working on their homework. The excuses may range from reasons like the desk was too high, the light was too bright or too dim, and so on. The problem is compounded by the fact that your child might have to do their homework on the dining room table with thousands of distractions close by. Your child keeps fidgeting and you keep losing your patience. This is not a good way to get your child interested in reading and writing, let alone math, science, or any other subject. The best way to prevent all nonsense is by setting up a homework haven for your child in your home.
The Problem
Space is a premium in any construction, states Realty Times. For example, most cities have small homes with built up flats that range anywhere from 800 square feet to about 1200 square feet. This property may cost anywhere from Rs 20 lakhs to about Rs 45 lakhs or more depending on location and city. Most nuclear Indian families may not be able to afford a two-bedroom apartment as well. In this case, it may not be possible to have an exclusive room for your child, states BHG Real Estate.
The Solution
Interestingly enough, builders are already working on the problem. Space might be expensive and very difficult to obtain, but interior designers and architects have become super creative. Take, for example, the new projects by Unitech Group. The company offers several affordable properties in the Delhi-NCR Region as well as all over India. With a little creative tinkering, the company has been able to use up extra space and offer it to homeowners. With this creative tinkering, small spaces are now offered as extras to property buyers. These extra rooms, or specialty rooms, are usually small but they can easily be converted into small kiddie playrooms, mudrooms, homework havens, or pantry areas depending on the family size and requirements, according to Parents-Kids. The only problem that arises is that these spaces are very awkwardly arranged in the home. As they are extra or accessory spaces, they are usually located far away from the central living space. It may be necessary to modify those awkward spaces so that your child can have proper ventilation, lighting, and space. Here are a few tips from interior designers that should help you do just that.
- Add extra lighting – These nooks may sometimes be quite dark. To ensure adequate lighting, you will have to add cool strip lights or LEDs. Avoid conventional lights, as they will heat up the room.
- Add cooling features – A split AC or a connecting ventilation fan may also be required to keep the space comfortable.
- Flex rooms – If you can talk to the builder, you can build flex rooms or a room with movable walls. For example, a large sitting room can be split up with a bookshelf into a sitting room and a study with a homework nook. Make sure you also add flexible furniture that is easily shifted to these rooms to make them multi-functional.
- Enlarge a closet space, and convert it into a study area – Most builders provide space to build a closet flush into the wall. However, with a little creative woodworking, it is possible to enlarge the space and hide it behind a fake closet door. The interior space can be used as a study room or a children’s playroom.
- Make use of above-head area – You might not know this, but it is entirely possible to convert above-head storage areas into reading nooks, play areas, or small bedrooms for children, according to Viralnova.
- Utilize foldaway cots and tables – This concept is not new but it can be a huge benefit in small apartments. Foldaway tables can be built in small spaces along with built-in lamps and chairs.
- Adapt dual-purpose benches – In any flat, there might be a particular wall that is free of furniture. You can easily use this wall and build up a dual-purpose bench on it. The dual-purpose bench can do double duty as a homework area and extra seating in case of guests. The bench and table should also be able to fold up out of sight when not in use.
There are many more options available to homeowners. With a little creative planning, you should be able to build the perfect homework haven for your child. With his or her own homework area, they will definitely be motivated enough to study by themselves. Of course, it may take a little creative preparation, a little adjustment, and a little extra space from a creative builder. But if you put some effort into it, you can have the perfect study for your child.
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