As our families get bigger and the children take up more space, the home constantly evolves. The family has new needs and we need our home to accommodate them. Not only do we want everyone to be safe, we want them to have an environment that will help them grow. One they can have fun and express themselves in. We also want to make sure that it’s not too much work for us adults, too! So how do you accommodate a growing family? How do you not only make it safe and friendly for everyone but a great place to grow up, too?
#1 Make it all kinds of comfy
Everyone needs to have their space where they can just chill out and relax. Looking at growing children, it might look like they have an endless supply of energy. But in the evening after they’re done tiring themselves out, they need somewhere to flump as well. Having chairs of varying heights, or beanbags from services like Shopisfy, is one way to make your lounge family friendly. William loves his gaming beanbag and cushions, and we all have blankets to keep us cosy. If everyone has a place, everyone can relax together.
#2 Give them plenty of space to be creative
As our kids grow up, we want to provide them as much opportunity to explore their talents and curiosities as we can. Sometimes, they take this to mean that they can draw all over the good, new wallpaper. You might not want to go that far, but you should provide a space for them to be creative. For example, using chalkboard paint can give the whole family a space to write or draw whatever they like. We have a blackboard wall sticker and chalks that works well too. If you have space, the dining room may double up as a play room, give them a small table and chairs so they can colour and create without you worrying about your table.
#3 Make it easy to organise and store
It’s not all about being comfy and happy and creative. You know that. It’s also about being able to put everything in its place and make your life just a little easier. Incorporating clever storage and organisation tips in your home can make it a lot easier to get rid of clutter. For example, set up clutter bags or baskets in every room. If something isn’t put in their place, it can serve as a temporary resting station for them. That way you’re not running from room to room putting things back. My main one is by the stairs for ‘Things to go back upstairs.’
#4 The exciting outdoors
You want to make the home a fantastic place for the whole family. That includes the outdoors, too! A lot of us have growing concerns that kids don’t get enough time outside. Make your outside more exciting so they never fall out of the habit. Child-friendly water features are one idea. A sandpit can give them plenty of entertainment, too (get one with a lid so you don’t get cat poop in it!). Make use of colourful windmills, solar lights and bright flower pots.
#5 Get used to sharing space
As a family gets bigger and perhaps more numerous, you might find yourself with less space than before. You need to get used to the idea of sharing space (much as we don’t want to). Everyone would like their own private space and you can give that to them. Even if they are sharing a bedroom, like mine do. Partitions and sanctioned spaces for individual members can maintain that privacy. Even if there aren’t enough square feet in the house for individual rooms.
What do you think makes the perfect family friendly home?
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