Why taking the time to put decals up for your kids is so worth it

Everyone loves their home to look and feel nice, but how important is it really to our little ones? Do things like wall decals make a difference to them in the long run?

There have been many studies over the years that show a child's indoor environment can play a crucial role in shaping their personality, creativity and development, and whilst I’m not going to bore you with the details, there are some fascinating things to take from them.

I’m going to list some of the findings from the studies that are most relevant to us, but there is a huge amount of information out there about the home and learning environment in general, and the difference it can make to children of all ages.

Visual stimulation and cognitive development Visual stimulation is crucial for children's cognitive development. Wall art/decals can provide a visually rich environment that can stimulate children's curiosity, imagination, and cognitive abilities. A study published in the journal "Early Childhood Education Journal" (2017) found that visual aids, including wall displays, enhanced young children's engagement and understanding of educational concepts.

Language and literacy development Wall art/decals can incorporate text and images related to language and literacy, providing opportunities for language exposure and learning. Research has shown that print-rich environments, including wall decorations with words and letters, can promote early literacy skills in children. A study published in the journal "Reading Psychology" (2002) found that print-rich classrooms positively influenced children's emergent literacy development.

Aesthetics and well-being: Studies in environmental psychology suggest that aesthetically pleasing environments can positively influence well-being, mood, and cognitive performance. While these studies are not specific to wall art/decals, they support the idea that visually appealing indoor environments, including wall decorations, can have a positive impact on children's emotional states and overall development.

Like with many things in life, studies are just an indicator, but as this is an area I am so passionate about their findings really excite me. I know that, as an adult, I struggle to feel inspired in a dreary, bland environment and so it makes a lot of sense that for the same would be true for children - especially given their propensity to soak up and process information. In this sense, artwork and decals are more than just decorations. They can inspire children to explore their imaginations and spark their curiosity about the world around them. When a child is surrounded by images that are beautiful, interesting, and thought-provoking, they are also more likely to develop a love for art and creativity. It can improve their problem-solving skills, memory retention, and critical thinking abilities. Artwork and decals can also help children develop their capacity for empathy and emotional regulation, which are essential life skills.

All in all, children really do feel the benefit of the extra love and care that you put into your home, even if it doesn’t always feel as though this is the case!