Spruce Up Your Child's Room

Susan Isaacs Kohl, parent consultant and child development specialist, is the author of Organizing Your Kid's Room and The Best Things Parents Do: Ideas & Insights from Real-World Parents. She offers the following tips for decorating your child's room:

, but at night when the lights are out, these sights can add much to the ti
• Children's rooms are meant to be a place to relax, play, and sleep. Sometimes trendy paintings and themes can overstimulate children. A dinosaur or spaceship may seem ideal at the time, but at night when the lights are out, these sights can add much to the imagination of a youngster. Opt for simple and calming motifs.

• Stay neutral. A child's tastes change as quickly as her temperament. She may love Barbie today but it'll be all about gymnastics tomorrow. Stick to posters and inexpensive wall hangings for quick and easy changes of bedroom themes.
• Keep toys to a minimum or make sure they can be put out of sight. A cluttered room creates a cluttered mind. Oftentimes, children need to retreat to their rooms to charge up for the next event or activity of the day.
• Talk to your child about what he would like to do in his room. Does he need a space to make his model airplanes? Does she want a drawing table or a reading nook? Would she rather have a spot to rest and listen to her favorite music? Make sure the room is an enjoyable place to be.

Whatever tastes your child has, remember the most important thing is to make sure that she is comfortable in her room. Make it a fun place for your child to entertain friends, a place to relax and play, and a place to find comfort and rest. Take cues from your child, work together on the decorating decisions, and you'll all be happy with the final outcome.