For many kids, the daily drudgery of homework can start as early as kindergarten. And it’s not just the kids who dread those daily assignments. Homework can be a stressful affair for parents too, leaving them as tired and frustrated as their kids as they scramble to make room and find supplies. But while homework is a fact of life, the daily chaos that all too often results doesn’t have to be. Want to make your family’s after-school routine a little less stressful? A dedicated homework station is a must! Homework stations keep supplies on hand and distractions to a minimum, providing kids with a quiet, supervised, place to study. When your kids are older and the workload becomes heavier, a centrally located workspace can help reduce feelings of isolation, allowing them to spend time with the family as they work. A shared workspace can also go a long way toward keeping your teen safe as they begin to spend more and more time on the computer. Of course, not everyone has a dedicated home office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an attractive and well-organized study zone for your family. Have a large living room? Consider dedicating a wall to a row of mini workstations. Tight on space? Why not convert an upstairs landing or hallway into a homework zone? You’ll be surprised what you can pull together when you think outside of the box! Ready to find the answer to your family’s homework problem? Take notes! These clever and stylish homework stations pass every test! Having an adult study buddy makes after-school assignments more fun, and by sharing a workspace with the kids, parents can stay on top of their own to-do list while being on hand to offer all the help and encouragement their kiddos need. A family computer lab, like this clean and contemporary space created and photographed by Erika Bierman, ensures computer access for all while allowing for adequate parental supervision. The slender, bench-like table offers multiple workstations in a relatively small space and could easily be tucked against any unused wall. By installing a floating desk, these clever homeowners have turned an otherwise unused space into a cozy hallway workstation. A bold blueprint paired with sunny yellow accents adds a pop of color, turning this small addition into an eye-catching showstopper! Want to make your own? Check out Amy’s detailed plans and step-by-step tutorial. This colorful little clubhouse is a kid’s dream come true. A pint-sized workstation offers the perfect place for doing homework or arts and crafts, and book rails, art displays, and a large chalkboard make great use of the closet’s narrow walls. Just around the corner? A cozy little reading nook. Too cute! Can’t afford a built-in bed? Consider buying a space-saving loft bed with a built-in desk. When homework is done, simply fold the desk back up into the attractive wall cabinet. You can even decorate the included chalkboard! Working with a tight budget? Check out this amazing DIY version from Shanty 2 Chic. Love this look? Create your own four-station worktable with these detailed plans from Ana White. Central to every home, a kitchen is a perfect place for younger kids to work while Mom starts dinner. It’s also a great place to put the family computer, giving Mom and Dad a chance to keep an eye on their teen’s online activities. This built-in desk, designed by Lauren of Farmhouse for Four, blends seamlessly into this rustic farmhouse kitchen. A portable homework caddy, like this attractive and inexpensive IKEA cart put together by Maggie of Smashed Peas and Carrots, is perfect for keeping everything you need within arm’s reach. When it’s time for dinner, simply roll it away.
