We get it. Trying to navigate being at home with the family so much more can be a challenge. Everyone needs new, more useful spaces than we used to. Your kids are right in the midst of all this, just like you. Maybe it’s time for a MAKE-OVER! You know how great it feels when you’ve re-arranged the living room, right? Even in a beautiful Tahoe home, a fresh new environment can go a long, long way for mood enhancement.

Try giving your (older) kids a budget and allowing them to plan what they want. Give them a timeline. You might want to remind them that their design decisions need to last for the next five years. Having to weigh the pros and cons of their choices as they formulate their plan is something we as adults have to do all the time. Set your kids up to do the same.

Even if you don’t want to give teens complete control, it’s important to honor their opinions. Let them express themselves! Kids have started refining what they do and don’t like at a younger age. Why not explore that with them?

Teenagers have a need for a physical and emotional sanctuary. They get solace from parents in their rooms. When they get in trouble, they go to their room; when their friends come over, they go to their room. That’s where they spend the majority of their time. As long as their design is not irreversible, a teen’s room can be a space that feels entirely their own. Guide them in this way: there have to be three things: a study space, a clean place to sleep, and some level of organization. Then let them come up with a plan. It’s an amazing way to develop character—self-regulation skills, working with a budget, and learning how to create a safe haven.

Here are a few other ideas, but seriously – let them look at Pinterest!!