ABSTRACT
The atmosphere in the playroom is of critical importance, because that is what impacts the child first. The playroom should have an atmosphere of its own which conveys warmth and a clear message: “This is a place for children.” Creating an environment friendly to children requires planning, effort, and a sensitive understanding of how it feels to be a child. Children are more likely to feel comfortable in places where a sense of openness exists that says to the child, “You are free to use what is here. Be yourself. Explore.” The feeling in the playroom should be like putting on a well-worn, warm sweater. The look of the toys and materials should say, “Use me.” It is difficult to accomplish this kind of feeling in a new room with all new toys. The feeling in such rooms often is cold. Great effort and creativity are required to transform a new playroom into a comfortable place that invites the child’s interaction. One of the eight play therapy rooms in the Center for Play Therapy on the University of North Texas campus is new, and after a year of use, we are still struggling to create a “try me on, let’s spend some time together” feeling in the room. An older, well-worn room is preferred.
