Make your home child friendly.
When children come into your life, your home may require some redesigning to accommodate them. Fortunately, the only designs that are necessary are those that take safety issues into account. Beyond that, you should design your decor with children in mind so that breakables are out of reach and the things that the children should handle are easily accessible.
Instructions
1. Design the house to be childproofed for safety. Use electrical outlet covers. Place corner protectors (like small bumpers) on counter corners, cabinet corner...anyplace a toddler is likely to bump his head. Keep electrical cords out of sight and out of reach. Run them behind and under furniture. Make sure area rugs are held in place with double-sided tape so your toddler won't trip over them. Keep the floors clutter free.
2. Paint murals on your child's bedroom walls to make his room a special place. Paint murals of things that interest your child, so the bedroom becomes a safe retreat, a good place to lay down his head and sleep. Murals can cover one wall or all of the walls. Or, instead of a full mural, paint scattered images on the wall, like dancing teddy bears. Design the room with kids in mind.
3. Protect your home from accidents. Remove all breakables from your child's reach. Remember that children often throw things so you may have to remove all breakables from sight until your child has progressed beyond throwing things while indoors. The dangers associated with keeping breakables in your child's reach include possible losing your family heirlooms as well as potential injury to your child.
4. Design each room so that your child can easily reach the things he needs. Purchase furniture that is sized for him. Look closely at your furniture arrangement. A poor arrangement leads to climbing the furniture to reach something else. A good arrangement discourages this practive. Make sure your child's items are easily accessible and all other objects are inaccessible.
5. Turn a spare bedroom into a playroom for your child. A designated play area can help to keep the rest of the house neater and give your child a safe haven. By keeping furnishings to a minimum, you'll have room for more toys and indoor play equipment. Create an indoor "park" for days when the weather does not permit play outside. Make room for physical activities, such as jumping, or include a short climbing wall on one side of the room. Be creative to make the play room more than just a video room.
6. Turn a spare room, or a good-sized corner of the den, into a learning center. Your child can do his homework in the area and you can share knowledge with your child and foster an interest in education. Include a work desk, a bookcase and perhaps a globe.
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