June 19, 2006 6:50 AM
Children's table and chairs
From a reader:
I looked through "Barbara's Picks" and didn't see one...but I was wondering if you know of a good toddler table/chair available online? (Or at a chain like Target, etc.) I want to set up a "space" for my 14 month toddler, so that he has a specific place to play with specific toys (crayons, sorting games, puzzles, etc.) but I don't know where I can get something like that without completely breaking the bank. Any help would be appreciated!
Those of you who've read my books know how important it is for a child to have a table and chair his/her own size. Think of how you feel when your needs are met. Now imagine the feeling of joy a child experiences when presented with a place to work on puzzles and manipulatives that truly fits!
I searched Amazon and came up with this bargain:
Blue Play Table Normally 99.00 on clearance for 27.00. (But shipping is 70.) This one comes with four chairs, but you could put away two or three until you have more children.
For families with space limitations, here is a Folding Table and Chairs.
This Rectangular Pecan Table with two chairs looks very sturdy. The leg construction looks more enduring than the blue table above. Maybe the shipping is less? But it has only two chairs. With both the blue and the pecan, I like the storage under the table too.
I found these and more by going in through the Amazon link on my lower left sidebar and searching for "childrens table and chairs." So for other choices, you can do the same. Remember that when you purchase anything at Amazon by going through that link (and you can buy almost everything you need through Amazon and have it delivered to your door! Think of the gas and stress you'll save....) you help support the upkeep of this site Amazon returns a small percentage to MommyLife.
This is a wise investment - the table and chairs< I mean! With the push on to send kids to preschool - and even in some states to start requiring public preschool, it's good for parents to realize you can meet your child's needs at home. A table and chair is a great beginning!
If you plan on having a large family, you might want to invest in the kind of table sold to schools.
I wrote about this here last year. These table are virtually indestructible and have adjustable legs to keep up with your children as they grow. You can purchase the vinyl chairs used by schools too and as you increase the height of the table purchase new chairs. It is a splurge, but I have had my table (which is a big kidney-shape that helped me with homeschooling a number of kids) for almost 20 years through 10 children and so far 10 grandchildren. It is definitely a treasure.
Posted in Montessori, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
We bought ours at Ikea. It came with 2 chairs and a table. There is no built in storage space, but I just use plastic tubs that I store underneath when not in use. The table and chairs were wood and needed stained or painted and assembled, but it was a fun project and a good buy ($29ish dollars and no shipping if you live near an Ikea). As she gets older, we get more space and money and she gets more destructive, um, I mean creative, we may invest in something similar to your last table and chairs on your post.
Posted by: Laura | June 19, 2006 9:41 AM
Thanks, Barbara! That is very helpful!
Posted by: Emily Moothart | June 20, 2006 11:49 AM
