Living in an apartment is great if you’re on your own, but what if you have kids? For people who live in apartments with their kids or for newly divorced folks whose kids visit on weekends, making an apartment feel kid-friendly can be something of a challenge – though certainly not impossible. Try the tips below to make your own apartment a fun stop for little ones.
Small gestures go a long way
Whether your kids only visit infrequently or they live with you, it’s important to dedicate a space just to them. Small gestures go a long way when it comes to kids and also help in making kids feel at home.
If you have the space, dedicate an entire room to your kids. It may mean you don’t end up with a home office that’s separate from your bedroom, but it’s a wise move if you’re considering the satisfaction of your kids.
Alternately, you can create a kid-oriented room with a small space dedicated to your home office or other needs. Shoot for something that doesn’t scream “an adult works here” (or for that matter, shoot for something that isn’t breakable and can withstand a little roughhousing).
You might opt for an office in the closet, so you can close the doors when you want to turn the room into a kid haven. Or get an office with a rolling lid so you can lock all your business materials and your computer inside, away from eager fingers.
If your apartment doesn’t have a spare bedroom, dedicate a space in the main room to items for your kids. Even if it’s something as small as a shelf or a single cabinet dedicated to their toys, it’ll make a difference.
Whatever space you decide to offer your kids, make sure you keep it consistent throughout their visits. Put your kids’ items in the same place every time so they feel at home when they walk through your door.
Find a place for toy storage
It only makes sense to keep your kids’ toys picked up and out of the way when they’re not with you, so designate storage space for all the kid-related stuff you have. Not only will this keep your apartment tidy, it’ll also prevent you or any guests from tripping over things strewn about your floor.
Your best bet will be something small with a lid, like a container or box. Plastic bins are also great. You should aim to get something portable and durable.
Teach your kids to put their toys in the designated storage bin after they’re through playing with them. Not only will this help them cultivate habits of tidiness, it’ll help you keep your apartment looking nice and organized.
Devise a safety plan
If your kids are young, baby-proof your apartment just as you would do any house. Go through the space and cover outlets, remove choking hazards, and place chemicals out of the reach of curious fingers.
If your kids are older, make sure their aware of the fire exits in and around your apartment building. Discuss a safety plan with them and tell them what to do in the event of a fire. Make sure they know where you keep your fire extinguisher.
Hang photos and artwork
It’s a thoughtful move to place pictures of you with your kids where they can be seen by anybody who visits the apartment. Kids like knowing that you’re thinking of them, even when they’re away.
It also goes a long way in making the statement that you’re happy to have them with you when they’re there, rather than risk having them think you forget about them as soon as they walk out the door.
Keep medical supplies accessible
If your kids are younger, it’s a good idea to stockpile Band-Aids. Make sure you buy the kind with bright colors and cartoon characters. Whether or not they have scrapes that need Band-Aids, your kids are sure to appreciate having these at their fingertips.
Always make sure to keep baby aspirin and other infant medical must-haves, especially if your kids are very young.
For older kids, show them where you keep a stockpile of gauze, bandages, aspirin, antibacterial cream, and any other first aid necessity.
Make the effort
It doesn’t really take a lot to make kids feel at home in an apartment, but there is a little effort involved. Just remember that any time or reorganization you commit to for making your apartment kid-friendly is bound to pay off when they’re eager to stay with you.
