When designing, and decorating, think long term. Themes are great, but be wary of age-specific trends. Sure, you can always paint over the cartoon character wall stencils next year, but if you've gone all out with furniture and bedding that match the theme, that gets expensive, not to mention wasteful. It is best to stick with themes that can evolve as your child ages. If you child is really set on a particular fad you think they'll hate in a year, compromise. Instead of an entire bed set in that theme, just choose a couple of pillows that reflect it, and go with a more neutral overall theme. Instead of cartoon wallpaper, how about a poster of their favorite cartoon that can be easily removed at any time?

It is your job to be the responsible adult, but be very careful not to impose your own dreams on your children. After all, the point is obviously to let the kids have some input into their own rooms, and perhaps the overall house and yard designs. So listening and asking them questions about what they want is the most important thing. But having a few ideas of your own will come in handy if their ideas are a little too immature, over budget, or if they just can't make up their minds. Besides, in the process of brainstorming, you may realize there's a few childhood fantasies you just might like to integrate into your own bedroom or other areas in the home. In the meantime, here's a few practical tips:

While there is a tendency to put kids into the smaller bedrooms, it might not be the best idea. Having larger rooms can mean them keeping all their toys and other possessions in there, not spread around the house. Do you plan on living in this home when your kids are teens? If so, having enough of their own space for friends to hang out in could mean the difference between no knowing where your teen is on a Friday night, to knowing for certain that they are home safe, and having fun.

Think the same way when it comes to a bed, and, if possible, choose one that will last until your child is a young adult.

Also, consider an en suite bathroom for kids. The practicality of this may be determined by how many kids you have. While cleaning three kids bathrooms might not be appealing, think again of the future. As teenagers, children with their own bathroom won't be fighting with each other for space in front of the mirror in the morning. Especially if you have children of different genders, they will appreciate a private bathroom as they grow up. Plus, with some guidance from you, taking care of their bathroom space will also give them a jump on realistic adult housekeeping responsibilities.

When it comes to decorating, a really classy thing I've seen is to get some of the kids artwork framed. Framing can make things look so professional, and it's an ego boost for your kids to see their artwork framed. Also, think storage, and choose furniture that can do double duty. Bench seats with toy storage under them are excellent buys. Some ottomans are designed to open into storage boxes, and they are a great size for fun seats for kids.

Most important of all is to have fun talking with your kids. Even if you can't build everything their heart desires, you will probably come away from the conversation knowing them a little better.

Joe Pinto is one of the top-producing agents in the Chicago real estate industry. With over 10 years of experience, Joe brings professionalism and hard work to help you in the sale or purchase of Uptown condos in Chicago. For more information, visit Joe at ChicagoHomeEstates.com