Whether it’s your little ones, grandchildren, or other children that come to visit from time to time, you’re going to want to make sure you have a space that’s kid friendly. This is especially apparent if you’re planning on having regular visits from kids or even long-term stays. While you don’t need to make your entire home into a kid-centric home (like many parents need to do), what can be done instead would be making some changes here and there that are perfect for kids (throughout nearly all ages). So, here are some little ways you can make your home more kid-friendly!
Start Off By Adding Some Personality
More particularly, a personality added into the space would be something a child could feel comfortable in. Try adding some whimsy with some art pieces or decorative accents made from found objects. These elements can add personality and style to the room without sacrificing safety. It can be challenging to create a welcoming environment for a child without having to sacrifice your own style, so it’s really about having some balance. Like, it could be as easy as having a toy box and a small play area or even a little child’s table and chair with crafts tucked into a corner.
Create a Child-Zone
This could be indoors or outdoors (or even both), but it’s going to be very important to set this up. So, why exactly is something like this so important? Well, kids, even visitors, just need a space where they can just be a kid. You have to remember they’re filled with a lot of energy, and they need to push out that energy. You can make the outdoor area more kid-friendly just by simply having a sandpit or even getting a pool with the help of a MedHawk Pool Builder. But in general, there should be an area.
So, what about indoors? Well, you could have a corner that’s meant for toys and crafts or even a comfy reading area. If you aren’t a fan of a sky-high reading nook, you can also take the nook to floor level by carving out a built-in alcove. This simple update will instantly transform any room into the ultimate reading nook.
Plus, you can add recessed shelving to the alcove for extra book storage. Just don’t forget to include some playful pops of color with letter magnets and brightly toned book spines. In general, it’s small, simple, and pretty affordable. So whether it’s the grandkids or any other child, you’ll feel certain they have some entertainment.
Focus on Keeping it Simple
One of the most important things to keep in mind when designing a kid-friendly space is keeping it simple. Kids can be very destructive, and it would be best to hide all breakables from their sight so that they don’t cause any accidents. Aside from hiding all the electrical cords, it’s also a good idea to place plush area rugs in your home to safeguard your kids against any bruises or bumps they might incur while playing their most rambunctious games. Generally speaking, you honestly don’t have to go all out, kids don’t need anything lavish, nor will they pay that much attention either.
Keep it Clean
Alright, this is actually far harder to do. It’s way easier said than done, especially knowing how children are essentially little tornados. So, when it comes to this, the main goal is to just keep the home safe. If it’s clean, it’s safe, and vice versa. For example, make sure that all cleaning products are locked away and out of their reach. This is especially important if you have young children, as some chemicals can be dangerous if swallowed. You can also try to focus on the high-traffic areas of your home. This is going to instantly help prevent any potential falls from happening (to anyone).
Add Safety Features
While keeping the house clean will instantly make it feel safer, this isn’t going to be the only thing you should do. There are some other things that you should try as well to keep the house safe. Kids (especially toddlers) are always exploring their space, and this can sometimes lead them to dangerous areas. Adding simple safety features, such as rugs that are not slippery, can help protect your kids from harm; cabinet locks are ideal. Also, installing electrical outlets with protective covers and keeping cords out of reach are some additional steps to consider. These are things you obviously won’t need to do if you have a teenager or even a tween. But younger children in the home should especially have precautions taken.
