We often talk about adult sleep problems, but how can we enhance children’s environments to promote better sleep patterns for them?
Children’s Bedrooms Are Yin Restful Spaces
My clients are often confused by mixed messages about decorating children’s rooms. I explain that the primary goal of a child’s bedroom is to promote health and vitality in the form of restful sleep.
All bedrooms need to be Yin ~ calm, peaceful and more inward focused. A child’s play area is Yang ~ more action oriented with bright, cheerful colors.
5 Feng Shui Tips for a Child’s Restful Bedroom
1.Color: Soft restful Yin colors are appropriate for the wall, bedding, pajamas, cuddly animals, etc. This would be in the form of muted tones or pastel yellow, lavender, greens, or blues. Save the shiny, intense, colors for the play space outside the bedroom. Kids are so hyper today that the last thing they need is more Yang stimulation in the bedroom with bright colors and the clutter of toys, games, etc.
2.BEDS:
- Wood frame, not metal which conducts Electromagnetic Frequencies, EMF
- Headboard, for feeling of support like an embrace
- Command position, means that child can see the door from their bed to alleviate fear of the unknown and anxiety from surprise.
- Large twin, to grow into. Kids sprout up so quickly these days that they need the length through high school. Then they are great for guests later on.
- Bunk beds may be fun for making forts, but keep in mind that optimum health (sleep) is the goal.
The energy in the lower unit is compressed & can be claustrophobic ~ create headaches. ( May be fine for one kid & the other experiences it differently)
The upper unit is like floating in air – doesn’t feel secure or grounded.
Bunk beds may solve a space issue, but can create another problem like ‘sleep issues’ which are often sub-conscious. Irritation issues may flare up because the kid in the upper bunk is making noises and bouncing around.
Research shows that kids in lower bunks are sick more often due to stagnant Qi. There are other ways to solve the problem -contact me.
Sleep is a long term investment. Choosing the healthiest bed in the beginning can reduce cost and enhance well-being.
3. Materials: We breathe through our skin, therefore the body functions better with natural, organic mattresses, bedding, and PJs. Wood or stone floors are better to alleviate dust, etc. from getting trapped in the fibers of carpet and rugs.
The key to remember is that kids are sleeping in these areas for 8 hours and are very sensitive to energy.
4. Artwork / Photos: Even little kids today are all about self-expression which is great as long as the choices fall within certain guidelines. Promoting rest with calm nature inspired pictures or objects and posters of their heroes who reflect wonderful values are great. Action oriented pictures keep them in action mode – when sleep is the goal.
5. Confidence: Around age 10, having their own space if possible where they can be authentic is paramount. Large companies are now realizing that it is a big mistake to force introverts to be in the same open spaces as extroverts.
Similarly, it is important to value each child as a unique individual, and their own bedroom is where they can do this.
Communal spaces like playrooms, great rooms, around the dining table, etc. are where the relationship skills can be developed.
Children Are Our Greatest Asset ~ Let’s Keep Them Healthy!.
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