“Mom, this is my house” – how a small tent transformed our living room

This story comes from Anna, a mother from near Hamburg. She shares how a small play tent suddenly became her daughter Lina’s favorite retreat.

It actually began quite unremarkably: My daughter suddenly pulled her blanket out from under the dining table, placed two stuffed animals next to it, and said very firmly, “This is my house.”

I had to laugh—but I also understood her a little. Our home is usually lively. The little one crawls through the living room, there is always a wooden car lying somewhere, someone is looking for a pacifier, and the usual family routine is usually happening in the background too.

Lina likes being involved in the middle of it all. But over the past few weeks, I noticed that sometimes she did not want to get away from us; she simply needed a place where no one would immediately tumble into her play.

The moment I realized: She needs her own little retreat

At first, I thought it was just a phase. Sometimes the space behind the sofa became her hiding place, sometimes the corner next to the bookshelf, and sometimes she built herself a little cave out of cushions. Of course, afterward it usually looked as though a small tornado had swept through the living room.

But there was actually something beautiful behind it: She wanted to decide for herself. Which books would come along. Which stuffed animal was allowed inside. Whether Mom was invited or whether the stuffed bunny would be the only guest that day.

For me, it was one of those small parenting moments when you realize: My child is not simply getting bigger. She is developing a little world of her own.

So a small play tent moved in with us

I did not want anything loud, colorful, or huge. It needed to fit in our living room, not look like a plastic toy, and not constantly get in the way during everyday life. That is why I chose a simple Montessori play tent.

As soon as we had set it up, Lina disappeared inside. Not in a negative sense—rather, it was as if someone had opened a little door into her imagination.

First, two books went inside, then her stuffed bunny, and then a few building blocks. In the end, she sat inside, looked out, and said, “Mom, you may come visit for a little while.”

At that exact moment, I knew: This was not a major toy purchase. It was a small home within our home.

What surprised me: Things became calmer

To be honest, I expected the tent to simply become another toy. But it became more of a place for peace and quiet.

When the day felt overwhelming, Lina retreated inside. When she wanted to look at books, she took them into the tent. When her little brother became too wild, she said, “I’m in my house now.”

Of course, it is not perfectly tidy every day. Sometimes there are five stuffed animals inside, sometimes crumbs, and sometimes half a puzzle. Even so, the tent gave our living room something that had been missing before: a set place for her little breaks.

What I especially love is that she does not constantly need to be entertained there. There is no music, no flashing lights, and no buttons. The tent simply provides the setting—the child does the rest.

Why a small place like this is good for children

Children need closeness, but they also need small moments of independence. A play tent of their own can be right in between: close enough to feel safe, yet independent enough for them to decide what happens there.

In our home, it is sometimes a reading corner, sometimes a dollhouse, sometimes a cozy hideaway, and sometimes a “Please do not disturb” zone. And honestly, I love that one small place can take on so many roles without requiring constant rearranging.

I believe that for Lina, the tent is not just a place to play. It is also a place where she can briefly put down her role as the big sister. There, she does not have to share anything, explain anything, or make sure her little brother does not knock something over. There, her little world is simply allowed to be hers.

What was important to me in everyday life

Of course, a play tent always looks lovely in photos. But in real family life, other things matter: Can it be set up quickly? Can it be put away again when needed? Is the fabric washable? Does it fit in a normal child’s room or living room?

That is exactly why I particularly like this model: It is simple, foldable, made of cotton fabric with wooden poles, and can be incorporated into everyday life without much fuss.

No major project, no complete makeover of the children’s room—just a small place that can be used right away.

My conclusion after the first few days

I think we sometimes underestimate how important small spaces are for children. Not every child immediately needs a perfectly furnished bedroom or a large play area. Sometimes a tent, a cushion, a few books—and permission to simply be a child there—is enough.

In our home, the play tent is no longer just a pretty decorative element. It is the place where stories are created, stuffed animals live, books are read, and my daughter can be completely herself for a moment.

And sometimes, when she invites me inside, I sit beside her, much too big and slightly uncomfortable—but very happy.

At Montessori Lernwelt, we regularly invite parents to share their real experiences with our toys. As a thank-you, we provide selected families with a toy free of charge. If you would also like to share your family story with us, please feel free to email us at: support@montessorilernwelv.com