Pratt kids' bookshelf (L), Ryker Pratt and Heidi Montag Pratt.Photo:Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home; Heidi Montag/Instagram
Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home; Heidi Montag/Instagram
Heidi Montag Pratthas a playroom fit for her family’s next chapter.
SonRyker, 15 months, is now “getting into everything,” so Montag Pratt called Donaldson,who originally helped herwith the space, back in to update it for her family’s new needs.
“The primary goal this time around was to create a safe environment for the youngest family member while preserving the autonomy and enjoyment of the older sibling,” Donaldson shares.
“With toys of various sizes and types scattered throughout the room, the task was to organize them in a way that allowed each child to access age-appropriate playthings without encroaching on the other’s space.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Pratt playroom before.Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
Montag Pratt explains that because of the age difference between her boys, older son Gunner was used to the playroombeing solely his.
The pair also cleared out “a bunch of stuff” as they focused areas on each of the boys.
“To be able to allocate certain areas on the top shelf that are special and protected for my older son’s things, so he doesn’t feel like his territory is completely being taken, was important. We don’t want him to feel like he has to guard or protect his things, so organizing things made it a more family-friendly, stress-free space for everybody.”
To make it happen, Donaldson “implemented an organization plan.”
“By incorporating playful elements such as themed storage solutions and personalized touches, the playroom was transformed into a vibrant and inviting space that catered to the unique interests of each child.”
The Pratt playroom, after.Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
Montag Pratt was thrilled with the transformations, but the real test came when the boys checked out the space.
“Gunner loves Eryn. At first, he was a little apprehensive because he was so protective of his stuff. And then after the first time she came to the house and ever since, he’s really appreciated her and runs up and hugs her.”
After hearing Mom’s promise that they’d make the room work for both brothers, Gunner adorably said, “Thank you so much” to Donaldson for her help.
“You can tell he’s relieved to have the space be so organized and to not have to feel so responsible for protecting his stuff,” the mom observes.
“The playroom became a haven for creativity, exploration, and sibling bonding,” Donaldson says of the transformation. “In the world of parenting, the importance of creating functional and harmonious spaces for children cannot be overstated. Through thoughtful organization, the playroom project for Heidi and Spencer Pratt exemplifies how careful consideration of the needs of each family member can result in a space that fosters growth, play, and joy.”
Gunner and Ryker Pratt’s bookshelf.Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
Despite the age gap between the boys, Montag Pratt says she’s been enjoying watching their bond develop now that Ryker is more on the move.
While Ryker shares similarities with all the members of the family, Montag Pratt notes he’s “very much his own little guy.”
“I relate to Ryker the most. I think he’s really unique, but also just being that second child where you’re more independent. He’s so tough. Just dealing with an older brother is such a different dynamic and he’s a tough little guy.”
Reorganized bookshelves.Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
While Ryker explores so much as a toddler, the 6-year-old is also doing plenty of exploration of his own.
“We’ve been trying to broaden his horizons as much as possible. He’s been playing soccer and he’s really great at soccer. We’re trying fencing too.”
Big brother Gunner is “still into Pokémon anddinosaurs” and hopes to be a paleontologist one day.
“I’m definitely encouraging that, especially with our investment in dinosaurs at this point,” the mom jokes, adding her son is into learning more about “anything he’s learning in school.”
Bookshelves reorganized to protect Gunner’s treasured items while giving Ryker easy access to his own.Eryn Donaldson/The Model Home
“Sorting everybody’s emotions is a lot. For me, I just take a deep breath and try to put everything in perspective, one moment at a time, one situation at a time. I try to remember that five years from now, I’ll probably do anything to be back in this moment.”
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Pratt with sons Gunner and Ryker.Heidi Montag/Instagram
Heidi Montag/Instagram
“Organization, it seems like such a little thing but it really changes your life. Eryn has been such a blessing to me, and it’s interesting that you just think it’s a room or a space, but it’s such an energy, and it really can be so much more stressful. Eryn’s help has been a big game changer for me, so I’m just so thankful to her.”
As the family shifts into spring, they’re getting ready for a spring break trip to Colorado, with Montag Pratt joking the time “looks a little different than it used to be.”
“We’re going tospend time in Coloradowith my family, which is such a blessing. We’re going to get a little skiing in. It’ll be Ryker’s first time in the snow. I’m really excited for it.”
The couple is focused on their podcast,Speidi’s 16th Minute, with Montag Pratt teasing, “Who knows, there might be a new show on the horizon.” She’s also entertaining new music after becoming a “phenomenon” with her 2010 albumSuperficialgoing viral on social media.
“We’re excited to keep working and see what’s coming ahead.”
source: people.com
