Having a young teen girl at home is a huge learning experience for both teen and parents! There are so many changes going on in their brains, we as adults need to remain calm, caring and firm in our convictions. All my study as a life coach is helping me through this time while my teen grows through this amazing stage.
I’ve started reading “Brainstorm The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain” by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
It shares fascinating insights to understand how the teenage brain changes and how to work with teens to be the best person they can be. There is so much change, uncertainty, moving away from parents to be independent, yet still coming back to base to parents for guidance. It’s such an important period for teens to grow in the right direction. I feel that creating a safe base at home, using colours to inspire will help with their development of optimism and thinking big about the future.
From other parents, there seems to be a lot of forward thinking of what might happen and I’m spending time carefully wording and guiding back to positive outcomes. A book that’s helping me is by Wayne Dyer “The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way” also excellent for us adults! This version has the most
amazing illustrations.
Creating a restful bedroom
This is a space for rest. A place to be away from other siblings and to be themselves. There is much research on having no technology in a bedroom (including TVs) to allow restful sleep, and Jonathan Haidt author of “The Anxious Generation”, suggesting no technology for early teens.
If there is a lot of white in the room, including walls and ceilings, this can cause feelings of isolation and separateness. There’s a cold feeling. Think of being in a hospital. Do you feel comfortable or on edge? Karen Haller in her book “The Little of Colour – How to Use the Psychology of Colour to Transform your Life”
talks about the isolating effects of white too. A lot of hospitals are changing the colours of the walls, especially in children’s wards with fun colours and images to helps kids laugh and feel the hospital is a friendly place. The same goes for bedrooms.
Instead of lots of white, add some natural colours. Having a colour mix is great and textures help to ease the eyes. Maybe cushions in the corner to relax on, or a beanbag, floor rugs can add comfort and colour especially on a hard floor. I take a lot of inspiration from nature as we are one with the planet, and most people enjoy being outdoors with fresh air and sunlight.
One of my favourite decorations is inspiring words. My teen painted this one Dream Big with night sky colours and stars. It sits on top of our bookshelf next to a plane and Eiffel Tower figure. It’s the first thing we see walking into the room and a reminder to think outside of ourselves, always believe in our dreams and plan to turn them into reality – a great learning for our teens.
Clearing Clutter
Yes, I hear you, you have a teen, and it’s a constant stream of asking them to tidy up. It is worth the effort to keep reminding. Having a clear space can clear the mind to rest and study.
photo by spaceyjoy, unsplash
Blue, Green and Turquoise
Blue is a great colour for calming a busy mind, treating insomnia and bringing inner peace. Light and mid blues are great. Use darker blues as an accent as too much can be depressing and lower energy. Think how relaxed you feel when you’re wading in beautiful blue water, or gazing at the perfect blue sky.
Turquoise is a combination of blue and green – it feels refreshing and cool.
Green is balancing and calming, and represents new beginnings. You can see this with new growth of plants. Think about spending time outside in nature and feel the calmness descend upon you. Having a plant in the room is like bringing nature in and new life. Remembering to water the plant is a different story! Too much green can lead to indecision.
Indigo, Brown, Yellow, Orange and Pink
Indigo (a combination of blue and violet) is a cooling colour and great for calming the mind and easing insomnia. Indigo is the colour of the night sky before darkness. Use as an accent because it’s a darker colour and too much can feel isolating.
Brown is of the earth, trees/nature and a very grounding colour – perfect for keeping their feet on the ground. You might have brown carpet, floorboards or some combination in a rug.
Other colours to add splashes of to lighten the space.
Sunshine yellow – beautiful for optimism and positive thoughts and confidence. Think of how you feel under the sun in the mornings or when the sun comes out after the rain? Use yellow sparingly as it is a very energetic colour and could keep you awake at night.
Orange is great as it brings creativity, joy of life and conversation.
Pink is soft and uplifting, is kind, supportive and nurturing.
Before embarking on a complete bedroom makeover spend some time with your teen and really take notice. Are they drawn to specific colours? Do they love being in nature? What colours make them smile? It’s a research mission for us as parents to answer these questions. It’s also a great way to connect with our teens and find out what makes them amazing.
Have fun with this. I’m definitely learning more all the time, and making mistakes, the best way to learn!
Here’s to creating lasting memories with our teens and giving them space and room to grow to be the best they can be.
Until next time,
Tracey