The many mistakes made by parents.

• Position: Children's Playrooms

What are some of the mistakes made by parents when trying to create an enjoyable play space for their kids? The folks at Smart Playrooms, Rye, N.Y., have seen It all, and they have some suggestions:

Do not clutter with too many toys. This Is the No. 1 mistake most parents make. Avoid this issue by being smart about the toys you purchase, and not keeping everything in the playroom. Donate old toys that no longer are being used; keep the favorites in the playroom; and have some stuffed animals in the bedroom.

Have a designated storage space. Playrooms tend to become more cluttered when kids do not pick up after themselves. If there Is no designated space for each toy, children will not put them away. Keep boxes and bins labeled so kids know what goes where. A more organized playroom will be the result.

Encourage creative play. Several of the toys that parents purchase do not encourage creativity or stimulate the senses. Get rid of them and bring some educational replacements into the mix. Arts and crafts, puzzles, learning activities, and musical instruments all are options that help children learn while they play.

Do not put a television in the playroom. Yes, there are educational programs for kids on TV...