By Misti Norusis

No distractions When a child shares a desk or a computer table with other people, other people or the things on the desk can easily distract him. For example, he may sit down at the desk to do research on a report on dinosaurs, but then fiddle with Mommys rolodex or discover his brothers computer games. A dedicated child desk lets you limit distractions. For example, you can ensure the childs desk is in an area that the television cannot be heard. You can also minimize the clutter on the table, leaving only art or writing supplies and paper. Even if she feels restless and unfocused, there isnt anything left for her to do but study.

Teaches neatness and responsibility When a child has his own child desk or study table, you can easily monitor whether or not he takes care of his things. Did he put away his crayons? Has he kept his papers neatly stored in a folder? You wont be able to do that if he shares the table with somebody else. First of all, he may not have his own space to store his study materials. Second of all, you dont know who left the clutter (and you can bet the child will always say it wasnt his fault).

Gives a sense of pride and ownership Children like having their own special place, and when they have a child desk they can really call their own, theyre more likely to stay there. Which means they will read more, write more, and just as importantly, take pride in whatever they make when theyre there. They feel responsible for what theyve done, and theyre darn proud of it. (Heres a tip: keep the wall next to the child desk empty, or hang a bulletin board, so they can post their recent art works.)

Greater Comfort When a child uses an adult-sized desk or table and chair when doing homework, theyre forced to slouch forward on the desk, shoulders hunched. Their legs dangle on the very high chairs, or they end up sitting precariously on pillows just so they can reach the screen. Kids give up trying to be comfortable and just try to finish their homework or research as fast as they can. Not exactly the kind of homework habits you want to develop.

This leads to posture problems that can eventually cause fatigue, discomfort, and aches and pains (especially in the neck, shoulder and back area). They wont be able to concentrate, much less enjoy what theyre doing and be inclined to continue doing it longer than they have to. Computer tables and child desks that are designed especially for children circumvent these problems and make 'work' more pleasant. They discover learning is fun–as long as they have the right 'support'.

In conclusion, a child desk is an important piece of furniture for the personal development of a child. The study habits, which she learns early in life, will undoubtedly benefit her educational and her eventual professional development for the rest of her life. Though a child desk cannot guarantee a straight A student, it is a great place to start.

Wishrooms.com offers unique Kid Furniture for Bedrooms and Playrooms at affordable prices!

By Misti Norusis

Social skills
Ever wonder why pre-schools always have kitchen sets? Theyre good tools for teaching social skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperation. As they pretend to prepare a meal, and then sit down to 'enjoy' it together, they learn that toys–and everything else in life–are more fun when shared with other people.

Imagination and creativity
The child kitchen set is very realistic–knobs, plates, and an oven youd be proud to own yourself. But they can use their imagination to create meals no chef has ever dreamed of, and throw parties that would amaze even Martha Stewart (bet she never had the Queen of Fairyland at her table). The amazing thing about these feasts–aside from the fact that they dont have any calories–is that they reinvent themselves each time. The game never grows old and boring, because the child can do anything. Truly, few toys have such mileage.

Manners and etiquette
Child kitchen sets can help you teach your child important manners and table etiquette. After you 'cook' the play dough pot roast for the pretend party, you can show the 'guests' how to thank the chef for a wonderful meal. Even an imaginary tea party (you can play the Queen of England) can lead to a lesson on how 'little ladies and gentlemen' should behave at the table. Elbows off the table!

Redefining gender roles
While child kitchen sets were primarily seen as 'girls' toys, they dont necessarily promote a stereotype of the traditional housewife. Instead, the cooperative and social nature of a kitchen set reinforce how family chores are equally divided among men and women. Observe your children and their playmates, and how they take turns washing dishes or cutting up vegetables. And if they lapse into standard roles, its a good time for you to come in and 'teach' them otherwise. 'Daddies wash dishes too,' you can say, handing him a plastic plate.

Art skills
Child kitchen sets can come with accessories, but part of the fun is helping the child create his own special pantry. Recycle old cereal boxes and cans, but let him draw or print out his own labels and design his own logos. You can also buy clay that can be shaped into fruits, vegetables and other food stuff, before being baked in the oven to make a delicious 'meal'. This may actually be a sneaky way of getting your child to learn about the basic food groups, or practice reading and writing as they copy their own 'recipes'.

And who knows, all that interest in a child kitchen set will help your child become interested in real cooking and food preparation. Try giving them simple cooking chores, like washing the potatoes or helping roll the dough, or let them watch you cook so they know what to act out when theyre in their own kitchen. They may be 'pretending' today, but a decade from now, you could literally taste the results of what they learned through play. As a result, a child kitchen set makes a great addition to any playroom.

Misti is the owner of Wishrooms.com which offers unique Kid Furniture for Bedrooms and Playrooms at affordable prices!