Use of space in the home

 The way the home is organised can change how children play, share and get along with each other.

You can help to avoid conflicts and help children focus on what they’re doing by making some separated spaces in a room.

A space behind a couch could be used by two children to build towers with boxes, while another child dances in the main part of the room. Perhaps noisy play can happen in a hallway or bedroom, while a school student is studying in the main room.

Children of different ages often like playing together but sometimes they’ll also want to do their own thing. A high table can create a space for older children to do things that are unsafe for babies, or to play with things that are easily broken. For babies, try to make space on the floor that is safe for them to move around freely.

Routines and how the day is organised

Familiar routines:

• are the regular things we do every day
• help provide young children with a rhythm to their day
• help children prepare for what is going to happen next
• support children’s wellbeing – with things like sleeping, washing, eating, and toileting
• are different in every culture and in every home

Find some ideas to help you with your space and routines.