Back in the good old days (you know when we walked uphill both ways in the snow to school) a kitchen chair would suffice to help out Mom and Dad at the counter. Well I have the scars to prove that the chair method isn't always the safest way to go! But mom and carpenter Ana White had something else in mind…
We've all become quite familiar with Ana's work and as we know all too well, where you are is where your kids will be. Ana needed a functional and safe way for her kids to help out in the garage, laundry room or kitchen and as usual — she took matters into her own hands.
This Little Helper Tower is adjustable for the size of your child and even has a few amendments for those who might be at the top of their class (like an arched entryway!). The piece is beautiful and will save you hundreds of dollars at the store and can be put together in a weekend.
Check out the full tutorial over at Ana White's website and get busy building your own.
(Image: Ana White)
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Those colors are really great and reason enough to try to do this yourself!
If anyone's not so handy with the lumber - I recently posted on a great deal on the original learning tower plus the playhouse kit:
http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2010/12/2-great-deals-for-big-present-under.html
Thanks Sarah for posting! Also, this one can fold up to store flat under you bed! I spent about $20 on it and my daughter uses it all day - as a fort, Rapunzel's tower, and of course, to help with cookies and dish washing. We are working on a easel attachment right now. I hope you take a second to check out just how easy this one is to build. Thanks again Sarah! Ana
LOVE it! I would love to build one versus buying something more expensive (and less versatile)! Only problem is the link isn't working...
This is great!!! We invested in the original learning tower after a few nasty falls off wooden step stools and chairs. It gets used multiple times every single day. The learning tower can hold two children so my two are usually in there together when helping. We have the playhouse and the chalkboard/whiteboard attachment. The kids also love playing inside by just placing a small blanket on top. I'll have to pass the link to a few friends who have loved our tower but didnt want to spend the cash.
My dad made this for my 17 month old daughter and she loves it! She loves water play at the kitchen sink so this is just perfect!