Last modified on August 5, 2025
Shall we build a fort? This phrase makes many a child dream and their eyes light up. Who hasn't dreamed, as a child, of having their own wooden fort? And who hasn't created their own fort inside the house with sheets and blankets, or even outside in a tree?
Where does this unconditional desire in children of all ages to build a cabin to snuggle up in come from?
Why do children want a treehouse?
It is first and foremost within the mother's womb that human beings, from infancy, become accustomed to being nestled in their cocoon. For the child, the mother's womb is a very confined space and a shelter that protects them from external dangers.
Historically, cavemen, as their name suggests, sought shelter to build their homes and protect themselves from the elements and predators. It is therefore part of the innate instinct of human children to desire their own hut, their own home.
This need to create one's own living space is reflected in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which represents the different motivations of humankind. There are five levels in the pyramid, and once the first level of needs is met, a person immediately moves on to the second level. At the very bottom of the pyramid lies the need for self-actualization: the physiological need, which includes housing and the need for shelter. It is therefore perfectly normal for a child to want to build their own den and create their own safe haven.
Like a grown-up in my cabin
By creating or having their own cabin or playhouse, children seek to live differently and, above all, to live as they wish. They flee the ordinary, routines, and especially adults!
It is a world reserved solely for children, with children's rules, and no adult authority.
The child is independent in his cabin; it's a bit like having his first apartment. He can hide all his secrets there and set up his belongings.
The benefits of the cabin during lockdown
During lockdown, the child may have felt alone and powerless in the face of the situation. In their den, the child can be completely autonomous within their space and enjoy a form of independence. They have a sense of freedom. No one can force them to do anything in their den.
The cabin, a form of creativity
There are 1001 cabins to create and yet… Each cabin reflects its owner.
In all cases, the goal is to make a cabin a space where you feel good and which is personal.
Choose the perfect playhouse for your toddler
The wooden sensory cabin : our favorite! Equipped with 3 large synthetic interior mirrors, it is THE calming place for the Ptiloups.
The Softy Cabin : a space-saving cabin that can be disassembled for flat storage.
Made of foam with wide walls to absorb shocks and noise.
The sensory igloo An igloo to create a cozy space in just a few breaths. It's a space conducive to sensory discoveries and a return to calm.
The Babi-up cabin A wooden cabin that invites relaxation and adventure. A must-see for gathering, resting, playing and sharing secrets.
Tio'la's cabin : an evolving, original and functional cabin. It can be expanded infinitely!
The nature cabin tablecloth The 2-second hideout! Quickly set up a secure hiding place (compatible with our tablesShe creates a refuge to isolate herself, tell herself stories, hide…
There pop-up bivouac cabin Quickly set up and quickly packed away in its bag, this cabin is suitable for small spaces indoors or temporarily outdoors.
Building a cabin is a team effort!
Building a den is a team effort! Besides being fun, the den teaches children initiative. They must organize themselves and/or lead their team (their friends) or be led. In this way, they learn to assert themselves and defend their ideas and their den.
He must also be patient because finding the ideal layout for a cabin requires perseverance!
When there are older and younger children, there will be a transfer of experience from the older ones to the younger ones, but also mutual support. For the younger ones, being helped by the older ones encourages them to grow.
Here, there is a certain learning process for living in society with autonomy and cooperation.
The reading nook in my cabin
To create a reading nook in a cabin, here are a few ideas:
- giant cushion And chauffeur for a comfortable seat; ;
- A super soft rug to always keep her little toes warm; ;
- A basket to store his books.
Cabin and return to calm
In addition to having psychosocial benefits for the child, the cabin will also have many advantages when the child is alone in their cabin and needs a moment to return to calm.
A place of peace and relaxation thanks to its cozy and nurturing atmosphere. The child will be isolated and thus able to calm down more easily.
When possible, do not hesitate to add specific equipment that further facilitates the child's return to calm.
It's a bit like a space dedicated to calming down after a major outburst of anger.
What I can put in my cabin once things calm down
- sensory blankets ;
- super soft cushions and one anger-catching cushion ;
- an animal cushion ;
- a night light or a mood lamp ;
- of the massage accessories ;
- of the tactile sensory balls.
In short
A playhouse is a must for our little ones. Since the dawn of time, humans have sought shelter and their own dwelling or cabin. For a child, having their own space with its own rules is also important for their development. This includes creating and furnishing their playhouse and developing teamwork skills. The playhouse is also a place of calm and peace for toddlers. So, let your little ones create and imagine endless stories and playhouses!
Our articles on the same topic
- Why can't the child control their anger?
- Snoezelen room: well-being at the heart of the practices
- Decorating a child's bedroom
- The importance of imitation play
To go further
- Read an excerpt from “The Child and His Spaces,” and in particular the section “The Child and the Cabins” by Patrice Huerre, published by Editions Eres in 2006.
- Read the Le Monde article on “The cabin, a symbol of freedom and resistance”.
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