24 May Cubby houses are for little kids, sheds are for big kids

Families who are lucky enough to have a backyard know how much fun there is to be had outside.

But what about when it’s cold or wet?

What about when the kids are a bit older and prefer hanging with friends to running around?

What if your backyard is nice, but not really big enough for a game of cricket or kicking a ball around?

What if you like doing more indoor-type stuff, but don’t have the space in the house?

And what if you’re all grown up (theoretically) but still need somewhere to do the stuff you like doing for fun?

Why have a kids’ cubby house?

Not only do kids like having their own space – but not too far from mum and dad – it can help them learn to be more independent.

You might be reluctant to let the kids decide how to decorate a room in the big house, but it’s a lot easier to get their input into the design, features, and “decoration” of their cubby.

You could even leave it up to them whether they put their stuff away or just leave it strewn all over the place. After all, it’s their space and, no matter how much of a neat freak you are, you don’t need to look at the mess.

Once they’re comfortable having their own play space, you might be surprised at the sorts of activities they undertake. Giving them their own little home can really help bring out their personalities.

It might also encourage them to spend more time with their siblings and friends and less under your feet.

Why have a grown-ups’ cubby house?

Some of us never really grow up, but at least we can sound a bit more grown up by calling our adult cubby house a shed!

We’re not talking about a garden shed or a storage shed here.

This is the sort of shed you happily and eagerly head out to when you’ve got stuff to do.

Maybe you like making things out of wood, fixing things that are broken, painting things (or just painting), pottery, making jewellery, hydroponics, or preserving fruit.

Perhaps you just want a quiet, private place to relax, read, do crossword or jigsaw puzzles, or write your memoir (or blog).

Or you might like having a couple of friends over to play cards, darts, backgammon, or Monopoly (accompanied by appropriate refreshments).

And if you’re a model train enthusiast, a stationmaster’s office of your own is a given.

Can you share?

It’s possible to create a dual-purpose cubby-shed, used sometimes by the kids and sometimes by the adults, but it’s a challenge.

A multi-purpose cubby-shed needs to be well designed, with good storage – possibly segregated with kids’ stuff on one side and grown-ups’ on the other – and enough space to move the kid-sized chairs out of the way when the adults are in residence.

A great idea is to start with a cubby for little kids that can be easily transformed with a few upgrades to still suit your kids when they’re a bit older and then perhaps have a third life with some further modifications once the kids are spending less time at home and you get to take ownership and enjoy it.

Or you could always get twin cubbys/sheds.