Have you ever been in a home that is cluttered, or perhaps so tidy you are scared to move? Have you been in a house where there are many precious items around which can break easily? We all have our own personal way in which we design and enjoy our home space. Research tells us that we all respond differently to space and in the case of our children, this is definitely the case.

Is our home designed to allow children to move freely or is it too precious and less relaxed in the layout? Is your home a source of anxiety for you when children are around? Are there aspects of your house where family gather and at the same time they can have a quiet spot for doing homework?.

There are simple changes to layout with furniture etc. that can be made to suit happy family living. Consider the noise levels in the home, especially with the location of televisions etc. Our anxiety does increase if our home is not set up to comfortably work around a family.

Needs change of course as the children get older.I believe there is value in involving the child in decisions which effect their movement in and around a home. Usually, younger children want to be close to their parents. As they grow, they need their own space and certainly value their own room where possible.

Remember, how we move and operate in that house is teaching our children many values. I always remember a child asking me to visit their home but to remember to take off my shoes at the door as mum would like that! I brought slippers!