In the bustling world of work and school, finding a space that fosters creativity, productivity, and fun can seem like a mythical quest. But in her enlightening book, Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World, Eve Rodsky proposes a solution to this conundrum. Her central concept is a “Unicorn Space”—a place where adults and children alike can unleash their creativity, accomplish tasks, and experience joy and fulfillment simultaneously. Space can mean time for creativity, and dedicated space for creative productivity, too.
Samara Roher, an Occupational Therapist at the Possibilities Clinic, is no stranger to this creative concept. Enthusiastic, artistic, and brimming with ideas, Samara helps families create functional spaces with a twist of whimsy, and she can help your family, too. Your space could be a spot for adult creativity or a fun-filled hideaway to help your kids get tasks done with a playful spirit.
As summer fades and the academic year looms, creating a Unicorn Space at home can be a game-changer. Here are four playful strategies to help you transform an ordinary workspace into a vibrant Unicorn Space:
1. Sprinkle some stardust: Add design features that build on a theme. Unicorns aren’t mandatory in a Unicorn Space. Consider creating a Dinosaur Den, an Astronaut Launchpad, or a Surf Hut with whimsical features. Be sure to involve your child in the imagining and designing process from the very start. Your child’s enthusiasm will set the tone and the theme!
2. Mix function and fun: Clear labeling, color coordination, and designated areas for specific items—like assigned work and completed work—can enhance the functionality of your space without spoiling the fun. Your child can designate more focus and problem solving to tasks when time isn’t lost searching for supplies like pencils, paper, and books.
3. Make space for creative clutter: Leave an area designated for creative play that can exist alongside a workspace. If your child has a large table or desk, drawing a line down the middle might work, or consider a separate play or crafting table if there isn’t enough space on a desk. A Unicorn Space that seamlessly blends work and play encourages a balance between academic responsibilities and leisure.
4. Be sensational: Be mindful of your child’s sensory preferences and sensitivities. Too much noise or visual stimuli can pull your child away from calm and focused productivity. Consider the elements you add to your space, and where the space is located in your home.
Above all, remember that the magic of productivity lies not just in the work done, but also in the joy derived from it. So sprinkle some fun into your child’s workspace—and your own—and watch productivity soar!
As September rolls in and school starts in full swing, Samara is ready to help you and your child set up a Unicorn Space! Her Sensory Diet service can also assist you in determining how best to support playful productivity by taking sensory needs into account.
For more information about our services, or working with Samara, please contact us at info@possibilitiesclinic.com or call 1-833-482-5558.
