Do you need a place to call your own, where you can go to for some peace and quiet?
What do you need to start arranging your special place? First, of all you may need permission from your parents. Tell them what you want to do and why you want a private nook of your own. Most parents will have no trouble accepting the plan.
Spaces and Places
Choose a part of your own bedroom where you can get comfortable. Clear a spot in a window seat, a closet, or a corner of the room. Fix it up with a chair, pillows or cushions. Make sure you have a light source – a lamp or a flashlight will do.
Warning: A lamp must be safely plugged and placed so nothing touches the bulb or the shade because this can build up heat and start a fire.
Basement, attic, laundry rooms, or pantries may afford a small space for your hiding place. A broom closet or linen cabinet might be perfect. Be careful about bottles and cans of cleaners. Never touch. Ask a parent to move these to a safer spot. By opening two kitchen cabinet doors and laying a beach towel over them you can make a hide-out.
Warning: Don’t choice closets or cabinets that house hot water heaters, central heating units or other dangerous equipment. If you use the attic stay away from exposed insulation, machines of any sort, or heat ducts. Never hide in an old refrigerator or vehicle because you could get trapped inside.
Tents for Kids
A curtain suspended across the corner, over a row of chairs, or over a closet or a linen cabinet door propped open can make a nice cozy temporary hiding place.
Hang a blanket over a desk front and you have a perfect little spot to read and play.
Line up two rows of dining room chairs and hang a bed sheet over them and you have a simple tent to play in. Don't attempt to make your retreat too big. Small is better for coziness.
Other Cubbies Around the House
A window seat can be made by placing a piano bench in front of the window. Cushion your seat with a pillow or two. A back rest pillow works great in a tent and doesn’t take too much space. Fold a blanket for a warm floor covering or use an unrolled sleeping bag.
Add a shelf, rack, or small table for books and a hard surface for writing or coloring. Invite your stuffed animals or dolls for the fun of it. Find paper for art or letter writing and you are set. Take along a box of craft items so you can occupy yourself with them while you are inside your retreat space.
Ask permission to eat snacks in your private nook. Apples or snacks that are not smelly or messy are best. You want your spot to stay clean. Of course, snack crackers or a stash of cookies always make any cozy spot nicer.
With a little work and imagination you can make yourself a private quiet retreat to spend an afternoon playing, reading, and dreaming.
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