[Get Inspired: Living Well, Made Simple
Shortly after her daughter turned 1 year old, Nattie Powell bought her a toddler-sized Christmas tree toy, but instead of its original bright green color, she painted it neutral shades to better suit her living room aesthetic. However, commenters quickly called her out for being a “beige mom,” a term that has been trending to criticize mothers who decorate their homes and children’s rooms in beige tones and purchase colorless toys and clothing.
But experts say the colors don’t matter as long as there is variety and diversity in other areas of the child’s life. Dr. Roberta Golinkoff, the Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Professor of education, psychology and linguistics at the University of Delaware, states that “people are entitled to decorate their house any way they like” and that colors don’t harm children. Dr. Jennifer Poon, a professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, adds that colors don’t even matter at first because infants can’t fully see color until a few months of age.
What matters more than the colors of the rooms or toys is the relationship between the caregiver and child and how they interact with the objects together. Dr. Golinkoff notes that having more color can equate to more learning opportunities for children, but as they get older, the conversations can expand to how they feel about different colors.
Parents or guardians who choose colors or aesthetics they enjoy might encourage more baby and caregiver interactions, which is most important for the baby’s development. Dr. Tricia Skoler, an expert in infant brain and behavioral development and a psychology professor at Hunter College of the City University of New York, states that being engaged with another person is going to improve babies’ learning and communication.
In the end, it’s not about the colors or aesthetics, but about the interactions between parents and children. Dr. Poon advises mothers to focus on creating environments that both they and their children like, and to prioritize playing, talking, and having experiences together, which are the things that are really important for child development.
Powell has started a tradition where she lets her daughter pick out her own Christmas tree ornaments, and it’s interesting to see the colors and styles her toddler gravitates toward. She believes that as kids get older, they do start having their own preferences, and it’s super important to include them in that process. As a mom, she found it is possible to stay true to her own style, while still embracing the colorful chaos that kids bring.
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