Dad's Diary: My Keiki gets a Man Cave

t My Keiki’s IEP meeting a few weeks ago, I share my thoughts on overstimulation with his support team. My son really struggles when other kids cry continually or when the class engages in a high-energy activity that involves motion or moving toys. I suggested that they find a place where he can decompress away from the other kids, returning back to the group when he feels ready.

At first, I wasn’t sure if my idea was constructive. However when one of the team members excitedly pronounced, “He needs a man cave.” I could tell that the she understood what I was trying to describe.

As we discussed what would work in the classroom setting, my mind started to create a little hideout where My Keiki could decompress. I shared my design concept with the team and they were all supportive.

Hiring one of my parents’ neighbors, we came up with the following concept based on a similar play house I played in growing up.

Basically, the tent structure slips over a folding table with the table legs sliding into little pouches to increase stability. I love that we can wash it if needed and the teachers can even use the top surface for other storage purposes. That we are adding to the learning environment as opposed to filling up precious classroom space is a nice “bonus.”

We liked the idea so much that we even made one for home (why sew one tent when you can make two?). If in the end, he quits using it, I’m sure the sister would be thrilled to take it over.