Feng Shui For Kids

With school out and the kids home, summer may be the perfect time to take a look at your child’s space and make the most of it using the powerful principles of Feng Shui.

“Children are very sensitive and respond to the energy that surrounds them in their bed-room,” says Linda Binns, owner of Harmony Inside & Out. “That’s why Feng Shui can make a difference in a child’s behavior.” Linda adds that children who have sleep disturbances, are ex-tremely active or even suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can benefit from some basic adjustments in their environment.

In an attempt to make a child’s room cheerful and fun, some parents go overboard. “I of-ten find that clients who complain of their child not sleeping well or refusing to sleep in his own bed have decorated their child’s room with stimulating colors and artwork,” Linda says. Like adults, children tend to sleep better in a calming environment. So while your child may love sports or cars, posters that depict action are better suited for a playroom.

Pastel shades are inherently more calming and restful than primary colors. If your child has trouble sleeping, the first step you can take is to alter the color scheme with your child’s in-put. Some negotiation may be needed during this process. For instance, if your daughter loves hot pink or your son favors bright green, try to compromise with a more muted version of the color. One or two favorite prints or posters is all that’s needed to accent the walls. Nature scenes, which have a calming effect, are particularly good for children who need to be more grounded.

If at all possible, find a separate place in your home to serve as a play area. A cacophony of toys and stuffed animals in a bedroom has an unsettling effect. A few cuddly animals or books geared to bedtime (such as Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You and The Going to Bed Book) can keep your child company as he drifts off to sleep.

True to one of the primary tenets of Feng Shui, clutter should be eliminated. While this can be very challenging in a child’s room, try to keep the room tidy, the closet organized and the closet doors closed. Do not store items under your child’s bed, which should be located in the “command position” – the portion of the room that is as far from the door as possible without obstructing the view of the door from the bed.

Children who lack self-confidence should be reminded of their achievements by the prominent placement of awards, trophies or artwork created by the child. Also, children who are insecure or want to sleep with their parents may feel more comfortable in their own room when they can easily see a family photo.

Working with your child to create a room that he or she loves, while keeping these prin-ciples in mind, can be a special summer project that has benefits all through the year. n