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In today’s world of fastidiousness and perfectionism, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea that every space, even a child’s playroom, should be pristine, everything in its place, every toy neatly stored. For many of us, there’s a sense of satisfaction in organization, a belief that tidy spaces promote tidy minds.

But there’s a delicate balance to strike, especially regarding the space of a 5-year-old. Children are naturally chaotic in the best possible way, their creativity and curiosity spilling into their surroundings. As adults, we must ask ourselves: should their playroom reflect the organized world we strive for, or should it be a canvas for their boundless imagination?

My grandson’s playroom, which we share as part of our “office,” is a perfect example of this tension between order and the joy of childhood. Just the other day, as I walked through his side of the room to get to my desk, I noticed a few Hot Wheels cars scattered across the floor. His room wasn’t a mess, not by any stretch, but those minor signs of play, those tiny cars on the ground, warmed my heart. It reminded me of my childhood, the rooms I used to play in, and the way toys seemed to be a part of my world, rather than something to be stored away when I was done.

My daughter came down shortly after, concerned by the stray toys, and tried to clean them up quickly. I stopped her. “Leave it,” I said. There was something so comforting, so genuine about those scattered toys. They reflected his world, his creativity in action, and his freedom to just be a child. The room wasn’t chaotic; it was alive with the essence of a 5-year-old’s spirit.

Of course, we want to instill good habits in children from a young age. We want them to learn the value of cleanliness and to understand that everything has a place. But as I stood in that playroom, looking at the handful of cars and blocks, I realized there is a difference between fostering good habits and enforcing perfectionism. Kids, especially at the tender age of 5, are just learning about the world around them. Their play is their work, their toys are their tools, and their spaces are an extension of their minds. By expecting rigid tidiness, we risk stifling that creativity.

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There’s a certain magic in a 5-year-old’s playroom. It’s not meant to be a showroom but a space where they can dream, build, and imagine. Sure, they must learn to pick up after themselves, but that doesn’t mean their room must be perfect every moment. Sometimes, those scattered toys tell the story of an adventure in progress, one that will continue when school is over when the day winds down, and when they return to their world of make-believe.

As I sit at my desk, writing this, I can still see those few cars spread out on the floor, waiting for my grandson to return from kindergarten. I know that later, when my workday is done, I’ll lie down on that floor with him, and together, we’ll push those cars around, maybe build a city with his blocks or race the cars along some imaginary track. If you can even call it that, the mess will be part of the joy we share in that moment.

Children need space to express themselves; sometimes, that expression comes in mid-play toys, waiting for the next spark of imagination. The perfectionist in us may want to tidy everything up to create an environment that feels controlled and orderly, but that’s not what childhood is. Childhood is messy, creative, and beautifully imperfect.

Embracing the balance is the key, and I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we can remember what Dr. Maryann Rosenthal said, “Strive for excellence and not perfection,” it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.