I needed to put a sound booth together in order to read audio versions of my books and for a podcast. The under-stairs closet in our house seemed a perfect dead space, so I set up an old sewing machine table as a computer stand and fit an office chair near the door. On the long … Continue reading Writing Office in a Closet →
As a child, one of my fondest memories was building forts with my siblings and friends. We would gather all the blankets, pillows, and chairs we could find and construct a secret hideaway where we could play and imagine for hours. It wasn't until I became an adult and started studying child development that I realized the true value of fort building. In this article, I will explore the psychology behind why children love building forts, the benefits of this activity, and tips for building the perfect fort. Introduction to Fort Building Fort building is a classic childhood activity that has been around for generations. Whether it's using blankets and chairs or constructing elaborate structures with cardboard boxes, children seem to have an innate desire to create their own private spaces. While this activity may seem like just a fun way to pass the time, there is actually a lot of psychology behind why children are drawn to fort building. What is Pretend Play? Before we dive into the psychology of fort building, it's important to understand the concept of pretend play. Pretend play is an essential component of child development that allows children to explore the world around them, experiment with different roles and situations, and develop their imagination and creativity. It involves children using their imagination to create their own scenarios and narratives, often using props or costumes to bring their stories to life. Fort building is a form of pretend play, as children create their own world within the structure they build. They may imagine themselves as pirates, princesses, or adventurers, and use their fort as a base for their imaginary adventures. The Importance of Play in Child Development Play is not just a fun activity for children; it is also essential for their development. Research has shown that play helps children develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Play allows children to practice problem-solving, creativity, communication, and self-regulation. It also helps them develop important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation. The Psychology of Fort Building: Why Children Love It So why are children so drawn to fort building? There are several reasons why this activity is so appealing to children: 1. Control Building a fort gives children a sense of control over their environment. They get to choose the materials, the location, and the design, and they can create a space that is uniquely their own. This sense of control can be particularly appealing to children who may feel like they have little control over other aspects of their lives. 2. Privacy Fort building also provides children with a sense of privacy and independence. They can create a space where they can play, imagine, and be themselves without the intrusion of adults or siblings. This can be particularly important for children who may feel like they don't have their own space in a busy household. 3. Imagination Fort building allows children to use their imagination and creativity in a tangible way. They get to create their own world and story, and they can bring that world to life through their fort. This can be a powerful experience for children, as it allows them to explore their own thoughts and feelings, and to experiment with different roles and scenarios. 4. Fun Finally, fort building is just plain fun! Children love the process of building and designing their fort, and they love the sense of accomplishment they feel when it's complete. It's a way for them to have fun and be creative at the same time. The Benefits of Fort Building Fort building offers a wide range of benefits for children, including: 1. Creativity Fort building allows children to use their creativity and imagination in a tangible way. They get to design and construct their own space, which can be a powerful experience for them. This can help foster creativity and innovation in other areas of their lives as well. 2. Problem-solving Building a fort requires children to use problem-solving skills. They have to figure out the best way to construct their fort, how to make it stable, and how to make it comfortable. This can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in other areas of their lives. 3. Independence Fort building also provides children with a sense of independence and autonomy. They get to create their own space and make their own decisions about how it should look and feel. This can help boost their confidence and self-esteem. 4. Social Skills While fort building is often done alone or with siblings, it can also be a great opportunity for children to practice social skills. They may need to negotiate with others about the design of their fort, or work together to construct a larger structure. This can help children develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and compromise. The Connection Between Fort Building and Imagination Fort building is a great way to encourage and develop a child's imagination. When children build forts, they are creating their own world and story. They may imagine themselves as pirates, princesses, or superheroes, and use their fort as a base for their imaginary adventures. This type of imaginative play is essential for child development, as it allows children to explore different roles and scenarios, and to experiment with different emotions and situations. Tips for Building the Perfect Fort If you want to encourage your child's love of fort building, here are some tips for building the perfect fort: 1. Gather Materials Collect all the materials you need before you start building. This might include blankets, pillows, chairs, cardboard boxes, and other household items. If you want to get fancy: Push lamps are a great way to add light to the fort. Chip clips or binder clips work to attach blankets together. 2. Choose a Location Pick a location that is out of the way and won't be disturbed. This might be in a corner of the living room, in a bedroom, or outside in the backyard. 3. Design Your Fort Decide on the design of your fort before you start building. Will it be a simple tent-style fort, or a more elaborate structure with multiple rooms? Are games going to be played inside that require everyone to sit up? Or is it to play house and bring in all the stuffed animals? 4. Build Your Fort Start building your fort, using the materials you gathered and the design you chose. Be creative and try different ideas until you find one that works for you. When the fort doesn't go according to plan, it's a great opportunity to practice problem-solving skills (and a lesson in gravity!). 5. Decorate Your Fort Once your fort is built, it's time to decorate it! Add pillows, blankets, and other decorations to make it cozy and comfortable. Fort Building Activities for Kids If your child loves fort building, here are some other fort building activities you can try: 1. Build a Fort City Instead of just building one fort, challenge your child to build an entire city of forts! They can create different structures and connect them with tunnels and walkways. 2. Make a Maze Build a fort maze using cardboard boxes, blankets, and other materials. Your child can crawl through the maze and try to find their way out. 3. Host a Fort Building Party Invite your child's friends over for a fort building party! Provide materials and snacks, and let the kids build their own forts. Fort Building for Adults: The Benefits of Keeping a Playful Mindset Fort building isn't just for kids! Adults can also benefit from keeping a playful mindset and engaging in imaginative activities. Most adults forget to add play in their lives! And if you have a dog or cat, build a fort for them. Here are some benefits of fort building for adults: 1. Stress Relief Building a fort can be a great way to relieve stress and unwind after a long day. It allows you to focus on something creative and imaginative, and can help you forget about your worries for a while. 2. Creativity Fort building is a great way to tap into your creativity and imagination. It allows you to experiment with different designs and materials, and to create something unique and personal. 3. Bonding Building a fort with a partner or friends can be a great bonding experience. It allows you to work together towards a common goal, and to share in the sense of accomplishment when your fort is complete. Conclusion Fort building is more than just child's play; it's an activity that offers a wide range of benefits for children and adults alike. From fostering creativity and imagination to promoting problem-solving and social skills, fort building is an essential component of child development. So the next time your child wants to build a fort, don't just brush it off as a silly activity. Join in the fun and see what you can create together! Ps. Want to consider a play couch for fort building? Check out the Barumba Play™ couch here.
What kid (or adult) doesn't like to play in a fort, tent or secret hideaway?! This teepee was so incredibly easy to make, I was able to construct it in about 5 minutes, just after the sun came up and before my girls awoke. Breakfast in a teepee anyone? What you need: - 6 x 72 in. bamboo stakes ($3-$4 for a pack of 6 at Home Depot) - twine - 10-12 clothes pins - a large bed sheet (I used a king-sized one, queen would probably work too) How to build your teepee: First, arrange the stakes in a circle, pushing them about an inch or two into the ground. Leave one opening a little wider than the others, making room for the door. Second, tie your twine in a knot around one bamboo stake. Gather the stakes at the top, one-by-one wrapping the twine in-and-out and around. (It's much harder to explain than it is to actually do!) After the last stake has been gathered and wrapped, tie a bow so it is easy to undo when your teepee is ready to come down. Next, wrap the sheet around the teepee frame and clip a clothespin in the middle to secure it at the top. Then, starting at the front and the top, clip the sheet to the stakes using the clothespins. Make sure you keep enough fabric up front for a "door." As you clip the tops of the stakes and the bottoms, smooth out the sheet and pull it taut. Tuck any excess fabric under at the bottom. And there you have it...a teepee in under $10 and under 10 minutes! Not only did L eat breakfast in her teepee, she read books, colored, and played with her dolls for HOURS! The teepee's been going up and down for a couple weeks now...it's about time to put it away and out of sight for a couple months so it doesn't lose its luster. Perhaps we'll bring it out again this Autumn for a special lunch among the colorful falling leaves!
There was a request for the pattern that my sis-in-law, Julie, used for the Princess Tent she made & being the AMAZING girl she is, she brought over the pattern...so I could share with YOU and use it for ME if I wanted...cuz LOOK! It CAN BE a BOY tent too! McCall's Pattern #M5827 ---------------------------- If you decide to make one, I'd LOVE to see pictures of the finished product! And someone also asked if she made the pillow??? No. She bought it at Cost Plus World Market...but it looks like she made it, since it matches PERFECTLY! BUT...I did look and there IS a pattern to make the pillow mat for the floor INCLUDED in this pattern...so you CAN make one yourself! Love the cute pockets inside... Thanks Julie!!! I have ANOTHER fun project from Julie that I will be posting SOON!!!
The Legendary Secret Fort: I let my inner child run wild with this one. Posted to tiktok several months ago and it blew up with over 20 million views! Never knew there were so many child-minded grownup's like myself out there. Check out the full video in this instructable …
Hanger Hideaways provide a discreet options to hide your valuables, passport and money. Simply place your valuables in the hidden pocket and place a shirt over the Hanger Hideaway. All our products are handmade to order. Colors may vary slightly from monitor to monitor. Because our items are handmade a slight variation in sizing/dimensions may occur. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Custom sizes available upon request. ~Connect ~ Like us on Facebook for special promotions and discount codes! www.facebook.com/threadsinspired Follow us on twitter: @threadsinspired instagram: www.instagram.com/inspiredthread/
A guide on how to add a hidden compartment to your chair.
Hiding places in antique furniture were created out of necessity. In today’s furniture they’re interesting cubbies that are fun to create.
UK Interiors and lifestyle blog
Meet your favorite new accessory. It's not just an adorable scrunchie that adds a stylish flair to your hair, but it's also a clever little secret keeper. With a discreet zipper hidden in its fully lined velvet design, this cute Hideaway Scrunchie lets you stash your house keys, extra cash, lip balm, or any other small items you need to keep close and safe. No more worrying about losing your essentials while you're on the go or going out at night! The Hideaway Scrunchie in its floral patchwork print is a game changer, allowing you to rock a cute scrunchie on your wrist or in your hair while having a hidden storage solution right at your fingertips!
Art Deco Reading Terrace Revel in the glamour of an Art Deco reading terrace, where geometric patterns, gold accents, and velvet seating converge to create an atmosphere of evening elegance. This space is a tribute to the lavish and sophisticated style of the roaring twenties, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of luxury with […]
These people brilliantly attached secret rooms in their homes and now that’s all we want in ours.
Hanger Hideaways provide a discreet options to hide your valuables, passport and money. Simply place your valuables in the hidden pocket and place a shirt over the Hanger Hideaway. All our products are handmade to order. Colors may vary slightly from monitor to monitor. Because our items are handmade a slight variation in sizing/dimensions may occur. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Custom sizes available upon request. ~Connect ~ Like us on Facebook for special promotions and discount codes! www.facebook.com/threadsinspired Follow us on twitter: @threadsinspired instagram: www.instagram.com/inspiredthread/
Check out this collection of modern hideaways and secret forts for kids!
The fascination with secret doors and hidden compartments has been around since ancient times and our desire to hide things hasn't dwindled.
Flickr find at Wallflower. Whether you buy them, sew them, or throw them together on a whim – kids love forts. They’re great for imaginary play with friends or quiet time alone with a good book. And they’re perfect for those times when you’re stuck at home for one reason or another (say, for …
As a teacher, I'd often get asked about certain 'kid products' and whether or not they had any educational value. Now that I'm also a parent, I am always on the search for a fun toy or gift that will help my children develop healthy bodies and minds. I decided to put together a list of toys that encourage kids to learn, grow, and explore the world around them (and boy, did I have fun choosing my top ones!). Each week, I will share one of these lists: Toys That Get Kids Outside! Toys That Get Kids Moving! Toys That Get Kids Thinking! Toys That Get Kids Creating! Toys That Get Kids Reading! Toys That Get Kids Imagining! Toys That Get Kids Exploring! Be sure and subscribe to my feed so you won't miss any of these goodies! :) *** Click on the links to see current prices and customer reviews. 1.Read All About Me!- I used to love to create my own books. I'd come up with the stories and painstakingly draw illustration to match. Then I'd make my parents read them. Over. And Over. And Over. This fun gift can give you that joy too ;) It's a complete book kit where your child is the star! 2. Write Me a Story Books- This series of picture books comes with images, but not words. Kids are encouraged to use the blank pages and included stickers to create their own version of the story. 3. Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Books- Y Do you remember these from your childhood? Well, they are back! I love these updated versions that allow kids to decide how the story plays out by choosing which directions a character will go. I read these books over and over because every new combination of choice resulted in a completely different book! 4. Anna Banana Jump Roping Book- Pair this book with a brand-spankin' new jumprope and you've got the perfect gift: one that encourages reading and being active! This book teaches a bunch of new rhymes to say and play when your kids are jumping rope. 5.Huggle Pod Swings- I already introduced you to these fun swings here, but I thought they would also make a great place to curl up and read a good book. 6. Highlights Magazine- Oh my! I loved getting this magazine in the mail every month! I remember checking the mailbox for it every day to see if it had arrived. My brother got Ranger Rick (which I loved just as much!). I was excited to see that they also have a version for preschoolers called High Five and one for toddlers called Highlights Hello. Needless to say, these went straight on my kids' Christmas lists! 7. Sparkle Stories- This is a monthly subscription to an online audio story site for kids. They create the cutest stories that you can download and listen to in the car, doctor's office, or as a nice way to end the day as a family. My favorite ones are their Martin and Sylvia series. Sign up for their newsletter to receive free downloads from time to time! 8. My Own Mailbox- This gift not only encourages reading, but writing and creating as well! Get one for each child in your house and you'll have letters flying back and forth before you know it. 9. Create-Your-Own Book Kits- Here's another great open-ended gift that encourages reading, writing, and creating all in one! 10. Reading Canopy Fort- What little girl wouldn't love her own cozy place to read- inside or out?! Just hang, throw down some soft pillows, and you've got an instant reading oasis! Check out the rest of this series for more great toy and gift ideas that are teacher recommended: Toys That Get Kids Outside! Toys That Get Kids Moving! Toys That Get Kids Thinking! Toys That Get Kids Creating! Toys That Get Kids Reading! Toys That Get Kids Imagining! Toys That Get Kids Exploring! Many of you are teachers or parents...do you have a toy you'd recommend that encourages reading?
Secret spaces in homes are whimsical and fun. They can also become fabulous hiding places! We've found 12 amazing secret spaces in homes.
Meet your favorite new accessory. It's not just an adorable scrunchie that adds a stylish flair to your hair, but it's also a clever little secret keeper. With a discreet zipper hidden in its fully lined velvet design, this cute Hideaway Scrunchie lets you stash your house keys, extra cash, lip balm, or any other small items you need to keep close and safe. No more worrying about losing your essentials while you're on the go or going out at night! The Hideaway Scrunchie in its floral patchwork print is a game changer, allowing you to rock a cute scrunchie on your wrist or in your hair while having a hidden storage solution right at your fingertips!
Secret rooms can also be used to hide away from unwanted guests or as a place to retreat when you need some peace and quiet.
Hanger Hideaways provide a discreet options to hide your valuables, passport and money. Simply place your valuables in the hidden pocket and place a shirt over the Hanger Hideaway. All our products are handmade to order. Colors may vary slightly from monitor to monitor. Because our items are handmade a slight variation in sizing/dimensions may occur. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Custom sizes available upon request. ~Connect ~ Like us on Facebook for special promotions and discount codes! www.facebook.com/threadsinspired Follow us on twitter: @threadsinspired instagram: www.instagram.com/inspiredthread/
Meet your favorite new accessory. It's not just an adorable scrunchie that adds a stylish flair to your hair, but it's also a clever little secret keeper. With a discreet zipper hidden in its fully lined velvet design, this cute Hideaway Scrunchie lets you stash your house keys, extra cash, lip balm, or any other small items you need to keep close and safe. No more worrying about losing your essentials while you're on the go or going out at night! The Hideaway Scrunchie in its floral patchwork print is a game changer, allowing you to rock a cute scrunchie on your wrist or in your hair while having a hidden storage solution right at your fingertips!
A guide on how to add a hidden compartment to your chair.
We recently featured a House Tour of Joe and Alana’s 160-year-old Newport home. Alana works for a commercial production company and a creative agency, both in New York City, while Joe is the founder and president of a company based in Warren, Rhode Island. To be together, they travel between the Big Apple and the Ocean State, an arrangement which requires them both to work remotely at times.
Turn a Deck of Cards Into a Diversion Safe: I got tired of stashing my money inside of a book (just shoved in the pages, not turned into a diversion safe), and went looking for a more creative way to hide it. I saw this youtube video, and figured that a deck of cards is the perfect decoy - it…
Make secret storage in a bathroom! | bathroom
Learn the art of sewing a hidden seam with a sewing machine with our detailed guide on The Art Suppliers. Elevate your sewing projects effortlessly.
15 office organization hacks that will leave you wondering why you didn't think of them first.
You can't always be home to keep an eye on your things — these DIY projects and products for secret hiding places are your next best option.
In a house full of activity it is nice to try and create special spaces for kids. Outside is always ideal, but inside can also be fun. In the summer I have created outdoor tents using PVC plastic pipe from the the local hardware store. It is easy to create any shape you want with a little rope and glue. Cover with your favorite fabrics and see what you can create. Great for nap time, long afternoons with a favorite book or secret play places for friends...
