Help Your Budding Teenagers Discover Their Style Hints for Bringing Decorating Harmony to Parents and Teens

Furniture World Magazine

Before their eyes, mom and dad's baby girl or boy grows into an opinionated young person. Their school changes, their friends are new and their childhood furniture no longer fits their young teen's lifestyle. Just how should parents marry the ideas of what they want for their child's room with their sons' and daughters' desire for pop star posters and video game systems? Decorating doesn't have to be a family feud. In fact, bringing out the designer in your child can be a fun, quality-time experience. Using the following tips from the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, parents and tweens can collaborate to develop a furniture style that pleases both. o Team Spirit - Don't leave your child out of the furniture selection and decorating process. Make their opinion count on the fun staff, such as color and accessories. o Do Your Homework - Spend a rainy day flipping through home, teen trend and decorating magazines - encourage your child to show you what he or she likes. Tear out the pages, and keep a folder of the ideas that appeal to him or her. o Don't Forget the Eraser - Begin by editing your child's room - moving out things that no longer fit into his or her lifestyle, making room for the new furnishings, and determining top priorities. o Write a Wish List - Decide what is most important - do you need a bed or computer workstation, or want an upholstered chair or nightstand? o Accessories Express! - Lamps, artwork, area rugs, throw pillows and picture frames are a wonderful way for a child to make a statement about himself or herself. "When shopping for furniture with your tween or teen, above all, remember there are no wrong choices when it comes to style," said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the AFMA. "These years are a time of expression and self-discovery, and what better place to do that than in the style of their very own rooms."