When my husband and I were notified by our school district that virtual learning would continue for the 2020-2021 school year we were relieved and worried all at the same time. We didn’t think it was quite time for our soon to be 3rd grader to physically attend school however we became worried that her socialization skills would suffer by the lack of interaction with children her age. Sure, during the summer my daughter Parker was able to play with her cousins and her sister Scout but I could see over time where the lack of engagement with children her age was becoming bothersome to her. She often complained of being bored or would seek attention from my husband and I all day. My husband and I were in tune with the changes we saw in Parker (Quarantine has been rough on us all) and decided to give her a little pick me up. When schools first closed due to the pandemic in March, Parker did much of her virtual learning in our home office or our formal dining room. Both of these spaces were designed by me and are usually off limits to our girls. I found myself checking in all day to see if anything in these rooms were out of place and admittedly became sort of a drill sergeant. I even would forget that she was actively learning and have full blown conversations with my husband (lol I know horrible).
I decided to design a virtual learning space in Parker’s room to allow her more freedom and privacy. One that was cute, comfortable and inspiring. I wanted Parker to have a place to learn that was an extension of the comfort she finds in her room. Parker has become quite the interior design buff and picked out a task lamp, chair, and cute pencils and pens. It was so hard finding a desk and chair for her space. Desks and office chairs have become high demand products since most of us are working from home. With some creativity I was able to use the Ikea Brimnes dressing table as a really cool desk, I purchased most of the other items from my local Home Goods and target. Overall, Parker is extremely excited about having her own space to learn and thinks I’m the coolest mom ever for now.
