A prominent washing machine brand, in its latest advertisement, came up with an interesting tagline, “Let the children be themselves”. However, whether we are able to make it happen in our homes is something that needs to be discussed in detail. In the olden days, children were more independent and enjoyed the joys of childhood. But, now, most kids do not have the chance to explore or enjoy their childhood in their own homes. The interiors and exteriors are often filled with expensive furnishing materials and over-the-top décor items that restrict the movement and imagination of children.
Children are not allowed to draw on walls because they have been painted with expensive emulsions. They cannot run around or play inside the house as the parents are worried about whether they would destroy the fancy television set, décor items, or the gypsum ceiling. Parents get scared if they spot a pencil or a colour pen in their kid’s hands. They keep watching the kid, like a hawk, just to make sure that the child doesn’t draw on walls.
Besides, the front yard too is filled with plants and stylish flower pots that break easily. Kids are denied the freedom to run around and explore the surrounding nature as they are restricted by physical obstacles like these.
A picture shared by actor Aju Varghese on his social media page, during the lockdown period, had earned the internet’s praise. He was seen drawing on the wall, sitting with his kids. Besides, the wall behind them has been turned into a beautiful canvas where the children have expressed their creativity. It is rare that kids get such freedom at home these days.
The expensive and delicate furnishing and décor that are done just to temporarily please the guests who don’t visit frequently are in fact marring the precious childhood of many children. Unlike the olden days, there aren’t huge playgrounds or plots that aren’t separated by boundary walls anymore. The child’s world is restricted to just four walls of concrete. So, it is important to arrange enough facilities in the house for the kids to play and enjoy their leisure time. A space has to be specially dedicated for them to draw on walls, or just to make a racket.
While designing the living areas, dining area and guest room, make sure to arrange a kids’ room where they can express themselves freely. Even a quaint play area would make a huge difference.
It is high time that those who spent exorbitant amounts of money to modishly decorate their dream dwelling, spend a small amount to arrange a space especially for the children in the house.
