ABOUT

us

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNERS AND PARENTS WHO WANT TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN GROW PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY & EDUCATIONALLY

MEET THE WILD CHILD TEAM

Do your kids seem to literally bounce off the walls? Us too.

Is there a space in your home or commercial building that you aren’t quite sure what to do with? Been there.

Do you wish you relied less on screen time and had more opportunities for creative play? Same!

That’s why we founded Wild Child.

Because happy, regulated kids mean happy, regulated families.

SUSAN

CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF PLAY OFFICER

MEET SUSAN

CASSIE

CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER

MEET CASSIE

BEAUTIFUL SPACES SUPPORTED BY SCIENCE

EXPLORE THE

WILD CHILD APPROACH

Play is a part of human nature - it’s how children learn and is crucial for their emotional, social, and academic development.

Taking into account the latest research on play and child development, as well as consulting with experts in the field (occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, and more), the Wild Child approach to playroom design is driven by four pillars:

LEARNING THROUGH MOVEMENT

This starts in infancy when your baby begins waving their arms and kicking their legs. Through this movement, children begin to develop their gross motor skills - the abilities required to control the large muscles of the body for activities such as crawling, walking, running, jumping, and throwing.

Research shows that developing strong gross motor skills is connected to academic achievement, social and emotional development, cognitive abilities, and overall physical wellbeing.

SEE OUR PILLARS IN ACTION

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY

In the modern world, the word “unstructured” can be frightening - but when it comes to play, it’s time to embrace the freedom that unstructured play creates! With our intentionally designed playrooms, your children are able to positively channel their energy through open-ended play.

Studies have found that allowing freedom and choice when it comes to play encourages the development of critical social and emotional skills, such as empathy, creativity, and resiliency.

SEE OUR PILLARS IN ACTION

ENGAGING WITHOUT SCREENS

We are the first to admit that screen time can be a lifesaver. We also understand that it has a time and place. Research shows us that screens are not the best outlet for energetic children - no matter their age. Yet, children ages 8 to 10 in the US spend an average of six hours a day in front of a screen. That number only rises as they get older.

Our designs invite kids to play in a way that keeps them engaged and stimulated - without the use of a screen.

SEE OUR PILLARS IN ACTION

ENCOURAGING EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Study after study (as well as our own experiences and those of our clients) show that exercise helps regulate kids emotions. As we design a playroom, we consider the two types of movement that help kids regulate their brains and bodies - proprioceptive input and vestibular input. Proprioceptive input is given to our joints and muscles to help calm and organize the body. Kids seek this out through climbing, jumping, and crashing into things. Vestibular input is related to balance and space and achieved through swinging and spinning.

Regulated brains and bodies are more prepared to learn and interact with the world. It makes for overall happier kids with fewer meltdowns - yes, please!