Acting as a foster carer to siblings can be a wonderfully rewarding adventure to embark on. You’re allowed to make a positive difference not just in one but multiple lives. While it can be fulfilling to foster siblings, there are logistics involved that make it necessary for a little planning on your part – as siblings mean more of everything.
If you are fostering siblings that are school-aged, then there’s no doubt they will be coming home with homework. This means you need a homework area that is functional and perfect for multiple kids, possibly at the same time. If the mere thought of it leaves you overwhelmed, we’ve got some fabulous tips you can use.
Will You Have Separate Areas or One Communal Space?
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether there will be multiple homework areas in the house, or if there will be one communal space. Generally speaking, most families don’t have enough room to make multiple homework spaces unless you want to create a homework area in each of the sibling’s rooms. Otherwise, you’re probably designing a common space that will be shared by the foster siblings.
One thing to try to achieve in a communal space is a sense of privacy. Each child needs to be able to go about their homework without interruption from the other. You can do that by using a little creativity. Here are some tips you can use:
- Place desks in different corners or areas of the room
- Use privacy folding screens between desks
- Use bookcases between desks
- Have desks facing away from each other
The Homework Area Should Be Quiet and Free of Distractions
For any homework area to be successful it needs to be in a quiet area of the house without distractions. This means there is no phone or television in the space, both of which can be distracting. Try to choose a non-busy area of the house as well, that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic through it.
Ensure There Is Comfortable Furniture
Sometimes homework is quite involved and can take a long time to get through. This is why the homework area must be comfortable so that the children can remain focused on their tasks. A proper desk and chair is always the best way to go, but be sure that the chair is ergonomic to best support their posture.
When shopping for the perfect desk, look for one that is large enough to spread out various papers and textbooks. Desks that have built-in storage will also help to keep the homework area clutter-free.
Ample Lighting Will Reduce the Risk of Eyestrain
Eyestrain can be a disruptive factor while the children are trying to do their homework, so the best tip is to prevent it from happening. Ensure there is ample lighting so that there is no need to strain. Ideally, you will have a combination of natural and artificial light. If that’s not possible you can use task lighting such as a desk lamp.
These tips will ensure that you’ve got a homework area that can accommodate siblings and allow them to do their tasks with ease.
