In many households, the idea of children coming, whether from the delivery room or from friends and relative visits is both scary and intimidating. Too frequently, the idea of making houses kid friendly is reduced to child proofing against falls down the stairs, electrocution, fires and access to ingestible small pieces and chemicals.
However, making a house kid-friendly is more than this. It requires a consideration, not just to their safety but their interests and comforts as well. You have to consider not just what will keep them safe, but also what will make them feel at home, relax and have fun. A few pointers to guide you are included herein.
Yours and Theirs Sections
A kid friendly house will provide facilities for children in all the rooms. No room should be cordoned off against children. A play section can be incorporated into the lounge or the sitting room next to the adult’s spaces. A corner can be allocated to kids in the kitchen and the study. These will allow them to relax and provide opportunity for friendly and comfortable interactions with the adults.
Furnishings
Key to kid friendly furniture is durability and sturdiness. Choose material that can withstand punishment and abuse. Dropped Sippy cups, pen and cutlery scratches, greasy fingers will all become routine. Use strong enduring material such as faux leather to upholster furniture. Avoid stress caused by investing in overly expensive and delicate items. Durable furniture will allow for a re-upholstery when the time is right at a lower cost than replacement.
Secondary to durability is the ease with which the materials clean or bleach. Here, the use of fabrics with high rub count is desirable. Cotton or polyester for durability and ease of cleaning should be primary. Additionally, there are numerous copies of outdoor materials that can be used to make a home kid friendly. Invest in items that you can wipe such as wooden dining room chairs. Always ensure that you use throws to wrap your sofa set. They can absorb stains from greasy, oily or dirty hands and spills. These are easy to wash and replace and keep your seats safes.
Patterns and color
Adults tend to have a liking for colors that are dull and absent of excitement. Choosing palettes that are full of color brings life and excitement. Although many parents may shy away from white, this could actually be what you need. Choose vinyl wallpapers or cover the wall paper with sealant. Additionally, one can keep reserves of the paint handy for touch ups. The use of paint that allows one to wash off the effects of play is an extra option. However, be on guard against toxic paint.
Movability
The set up in a child friendly house is never fixed. Create flexibility that allows for dynamism. Chairs and tables that can be moved for games will always come in handy. Adults need to learn that a little clutter is more a sign of life than something to be always put in order.
Rugs
A family will spend a lot more time on the floor than you imagine. Barefoot walking or frolicking while playing with the baby all happens on the rag. Key to the choice of an appropriate rug is therefore comfort, longevity and ease of cleaning. Go for wool as it is easy to clean and long lasting, though a bit pricey.
Avoid Clutter
One of the main challenges for adults in allowing for a kid-friendly home is clutter. Toys, crayons and play-doh are among many hazards that can be scattered all over the place. Providing adequate and accessible storage and teaching the kids how to put away toys will eliminate clatter making the home friendly to all.
To avoid clatter with paintings and other art projects, create a gallery wall where the collage will create beauty in chaos. Such a provision will allow for artistry to burgeon without interfering with the rest of the house.
Bathrooms
Making a bathroom kid-friendly involves more than just placing the potty next to the grown up toilet. Lowering the towel hooks and the tooth brush rack is a good start. Placing stepping stools that allow access to the sink need not clatter the bathroom. Additionally, avoid floor materials that are slippery and too difficult to clean.
What you should avoid
Never use materials that are too precious or delicate. This will only subject you to endless stress and fights. In the end, the items will go, watch that you do not join in the trip. Secondly, avoid trends. Invest in materials that will last thus outlasting the trend. Such materials will withstand abuse and give your home a sense of grandness and class. Antiques will carry with them the memories of times and events gone by.
Kids should feel welcome in the house and not just tolerated. Working with children’s needs in mind allows for a more easily achievable kid friendly ambiance. Though challenging, one need not surrender their tastes to achieve the desired effects. Achievable options exist that are both practical, long lasting, easy to live with and classy. Rather than endure children, allow your inner child to come out as you make your home kid friendly.
