We embarked on our Hygge in the Early Years journey in 2022. As a work from home, stressed mum of 3 children, our house is always full of toys, play areas, books and random activities set up in every room. Long lists of stuff we want to do. We basically couldn’t see the wood for the trees. I have listed 12 things I have learnt further down this post.
I had been interested in the danish concept of Hygge in the home for some years but came to know more through childminder friends on social. Watching how their homes, playrooms and lives changed for the better and how it was improving their wellbeing. Hygge-accredited childminders kept popping up and sharing their stories and the more I read about the positive impact, the more I wanted to start this journey myself.
Kimberley Smith is the lovely lady behind Hygge in the Early Years and after stalking her on socials for a little while (!) I decided to start my journey. I say my journey, but of course, my family and home came along for the ride!
Those who know me will know that I love all things Cosy. I love a Cosy home, Natural Cosy resources, and to feel warm, relaxed and snug. I am a very chilled, laid-back kind of person so the whole Hygge vibe really appealed to me, not to mention the fairy lights, crackling open log fires, hot mugs of tea, dimmed lights…that vibe – is totally me. I just didn’t quite have it in my home. I did in small areas, but I wanted to carry the Hygge through the home, into the kids, their playroom and our way of life.
Kimberley is so kind and considered, listening to her voice through her vidoes is really soothing and I instantly got to work changing my mindset when it came to how I work, think, our playroom structure, activities with the kids and changing our home. Removing clutter, having more considered natural and open-ended resources. Of course, the plastic branded toys and characters are still a part of our playroom but I try to steer away from these. The characters I love as these can be added to almost all of our more natural/open-ended activities.
Again, those who know me know that I am very creative and I love to set up invitations to play, both indoor play activities and outdoor play activities. We love learning through play with nature, natural treasures and incorporating the seasons. I learnt through Kimberley that my set ups don’t always have to be complex or for a reason. Keeping things simple is best, allowing children to use their own imagination, with simple self-select resources and loose parts.
So, what have I learnt from Hygge and Hygge in the Early Years accreditation?
1.Keep it simple – I have tried to keep some of my play setups and activities simple – which is super hard for me! We have loved simple block play, forest bathing, and attended more forest school sessions – huge shout out to Jo from Forest Folk Play.
2. Slowing down and enjoying the little things – from going on nature collection hunts, to blackberry picking, baking and just enjoying the time that we have together.
3. I always encourage the children to look up – something that one of my godparents told me as a child. Look up at the sky, the trees, the stars, look up in cities at the architecture on buildings, at the ornate ceilings in old historic buildings and libraries.
4. Plants – We have added more real plants to our home and playroom. Both real and plastic – the more there are the better I think! This gives a really natural, homely, cosy, calming feel. Plus, the benefit of purifying the air in our home, it also distils a need to take care of things in the children.
5. Lighting – We have added fairy lights, battery-operated tea lights and lanterns – creating a magical cosy space. Perfect for quiet, relaxing time, reading books together and having conversations.
6. Making the most of outdoor play – we have started an allotment so that we can grow our own fruit and vegetables, using it in cooking at home. Making compost and looking after the seedlings and plants. We aim to donate the surplus to our family and local food banks.
7. Reading – We have loved books about nature, I spy books and particularly the book ‘Slow Down’.
8. Jigsaws – We have also enjoyed jigsaws as they encourage hand-eye coordination, picture and shape recognition, and aid in fine motor skills but also just the quiet, teamwork, working together to complete the puzzle. Personally, I love spending time doing a jigsaw with a cup of tea and cake, the kids joining in too. Family time is precious. I recommend Just Jigsaws for their locally made wooden jigsaw puzzles for children.
9. Reggio and The 100 languages of children – I have found these principles particularly interesting. 100 ways to express themselves.
10. Mirror play, reflections, light and dimension – We have always loved mirrors in our play, reflections and nature, but we are going to use these more in our art and playdough activities. I recommend the triptych mirror from Cosy Direct. Block play in front of the mirror – exploring dimensions. We love the barkless blocks from Cosy and also the perspex rainbow blocks. We also want to use our light panel more and perhaps try a projector for exploring shadows and light. Keeping settings unique to the children and what they want/need.
11. De-clutter – tidy house/playroom, tidy mind! I have put more away – so we are not as cluttered. But also ensuring resources are accessible for self-select. I add natural treasures and loose parts to the plastic sweet jars – keeping them on display for self select – they also look great all neat and tidy!
12. Multi-functional pieces of furniture – lots of wooden crates, re-modelling the space that we have to create new and exciting spaces.
In conclusion, I feel that this course has enabled me to remind myself of the Hygge way of life – be more calm, bring cosy into the home and has helped my wellbeing immensely. Revolutionary for me as a person, and the impact that it has had on me is clear.
I do just have to remind myself sometimes when things get too much and overwhelming to…
Slow down, be kind to yourself and the world.
I highly recommend The Little Book of Hygge to get you started generally on a Hygge path. I also visited Copenhagen – an inspiring visit to this very laid-back, cultural city. Visit the cafes, bars, take a sunset boat trip.
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Lottie Makes 
super insight, thank you
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