So your baby’s growing up. He or she is at that delicate stage or what I call the Age of the Yin Yang Yo-Yo. They don’t want you too close (OMG – not in front of my friends!) but still need to make sure that you’re there.
Sometimes you’re Mom. Then, without warning, it’s “Muth-e-e-e-r-r!”
I bet their room reflects that split personality, doesn’t it? Toys of childhood mixed with whatever’s the latest tween fad.
Don’t worry. That’s what it’s supposed to be. But, you ask, won’t all that stuff interfere with their school work and hurt their grades? Possibly, sometimes even probably, if the mess is overwhelming.
What can you do? Well, a little Feng Shui never hurts.
Here’s Master Peter Reiss’ Feng Shui Guide to a Learning Friendly Kid’s Room, Part 2: 5th-8th Grade.
Your Mission: Reduce the level of Jangly, Jumpy, Gyrating Ch’i, creating a better environment for study and play.
Ground Rules:
1. You are no longer the boss. (Of course you are, but work with me here.)
2. Your child is not the boss, either, but he or she does need to feel some control.
3. Feng Shui will be most effective if your child gives you permission to make changes or, better yet, works with you to make decisions and changes.
4. Be prepared to be silly. *
Getting Started: It’s inventory time!
Time to sit down on the floor together and create three piles. One is for the really, really baby things that are now just there because they’ve always been there. This is automatic give-away. Work out together who you’re going to give these things to. It’s a great time for a lesson in giving to others.
(But don’t be too, too strict. We all have something special from those long ago days. Mine is a stuffed blue dog; nose and eyes gone but still precious to that little boy inside me.)
The next pile is for stuff that has seen better days (like games missing pieces or broken toys). This is an automatic out pile. Don’t hold on to something because the piece may show up some day or Dad will be able to fix it sometime (sorry, dads).
The last pile, hopefully the smallest, is for all the things from shelf, floor, closet and drawer that are still in good condition, still work, still fit, and still have a real reason to stay – meaning they’ll be used.
Inventory complete, now return the keepers to shelf, drawer, or closet. Not the floor and especially not under the bed!
Next: The Four Walls
Look around you. What message is being sent by the pictures on the walls. Positive energy supports positive work. Negative, angry images ooze angry ch’i.
This is an important step. If you wait until they’re teens, you’ll wind up with very little say.
Try to keep things in balance. Don’t cover every inch of the wall.
The walls are also a good place to add bright color energy. While the overall color should be soft blue or green, you can add bursts of red, pink, purple, blue. Stay away from black – that’s for adult career work.
Finally: Stuff
This is an amazing age for learning. Kids are like the proverbial sponge. Since you’ve removed the overwhelm of stuff, you now have room to add. Try maps, a fish tank (but only if your child can take care of it!), and always books, books and books.
Reading with your child is one of the greatest gifts you can give. And it’s amazing Feng Shui, raising the energy of all life areas. Help them choose from their favorites which ones are keepers to be read again and which ones will other kids like to have.
Remember, if you show your children nothing other than how to be generous and giving; how to do good deeds and help others; you’ll be teaching them the Feng Shui way to a good life.
*Oh, and about rule #4 – Take every chance you can get to be playful and act silly with your kids. It’ll help get the job done and they’ll always remember how much they laughed.
Coming Next: Part 3: Feng Shui For Your High School Teen
Coming Soon: Part 4: Feng Shui from College to the Empty Nest.
Want to use this article in your newsletter, blog or web site? You have my blessings as long as you include the following complete statement with it (including links). Please also write ©2009 Feng Shui by Peter Reiss.
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