Creating the Perfect Teenage Retreat
As teenagers mature into young adults, living with them can be a challenge, especially if your home is short on living space. They desire greater independence and to discover and grow their identity. This period can be a challenging time for many parents.
While it may be tough to take a step back, giving them their own space can help them mature. When your child understands that you are giving them a healthy amount of trust, respect, and privacy, it can strengthen your parent-child relationship.
Investing in a teenage retreat will increase the property value, and it also improves your living space and promotes harmony within your home and family. By involving your teen in the design of the new space, you also give them a sense of independence and provide them with new responsibilities.
So, how do you create the perfect space for your teenager?
Here are some ideas:
Involve Your Teen in the Planning Process
Creating a space that they will enjoy is the main objective. Teenagers are in the stage of exploring their independence, so why not ask for their input? Considering their opinions will make them feel valued and appreciated, and working on the project will give them a sense of pride and ownership.
Show them the plans and ask for their ideas on the design and layout of their space, so that they can stamp their personality on it. Naturally, their input must be within reason and your budget, and provides an excellent opportunity for discussion. The area you have available for a cabin will dictate which design to go with, as will the number of teenagers you are trying to accommodate.
Give Them Enough Space
As teenagers transition into adulthood, giving them their space encourages a sense of identity and independence. They want privacy and the freedom to pursue their interests and socialise with friends. From a practical stand-point though, teenagers need a desk for homework and hobbies, wall space for posters, shelving, internet access for gaming and to hang out on social media, somewhere to sleep, and plenty of storage space.
If you have more than one teen, building separate nooks or choose one of our cabins that can accommodate two or more people. This allows them to do whatever they want without invading each other’s space and privacy. Allocating a quiet study area is helpful, especially as your teens require more study and reading time for homework and study. If possible, build a separate study area that keeps the sleeping area as a place to relax and unwind.
Storage, Make Sure There is Plenty of It!
Your teenagers will have some incredible ideas of what they want in their new space, but organising their stuff will probably not be one of them. Ensure you allow enough storage space for their clothes, hobbies, interests, and “stuff” - it will be a worthwhile investment and prevent future disagreements.
Install sturdy shelving for their books, art and craft materials, musical instruments, and technology ‒ this will make it easier for your teens to stay organised and remove an age-old excuse, “I’ve got nowhere to put it.”
Establish Boundaries
Even though your teenager(s) have gained their own space, you are still the parent, and that space is still part of the main house. It is important to set out what your expectations are.
Think about setting rules for food and drinks (i.e., bringing plates and glasses back into the kitchen), the use of technology, cleanliness, and time restraints. It is not that you want to be a killjoy, but it is an opportunity to prepare them for life - teaching them about responsibility, initiative, and ownership.
Footprint Homes Cabin Make the Perfect Space
A teenage retreat gives your kids privacy, freedom to pursue their hobbies and somewhere to hang out with friends. You have an opportunity to provide them their own space with a Footprint Homes cabin or tiny home.
Take this opportunity to turn a parenting challenge (nightmare) into a fun project for the whole family!
In addition to teenage spaces, we have a range of single-room studios, one-to-three-bedroom tiny homes, and POD accommodation and ablution blocks.
Contact us on 0800 000 222 for more information.
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