The Easiest Way To Make Your Home More Kid-Friendly

If one thing is for certain, it's that kids change everything. From the moment you bring a child into your life, your work, social, and home life are all affected. Above all else is the latter — having kids in your home is truly a life-altering thing as you balance keeping them safe without compromising on the style and look you love. But rest easy — there's no reason to theme your house in Early Fisher-Price. There are plenty of ways to keep things looking sleek and sophisticated while still keeping things kid-friendly. 

The most important thing to keep in mind is safety. There's plenty of time to figure out where to stash the toys and how to co-exist with your smallest family members when it comes to eating and sleeping schedules. But once you have a curious crawler or walker in your home, it's time to make sure things are as safe and kid-friendly as possible. 

Child-proofing your house is the most important and easiest way to make your home more kid-friendly. There are a few different ways to child-proof. According to Toll Brothers, safety locks are one of the most common measures parents take to make a home safer. There are many different types of these locks, including ones for cabinets, drawers, doors, windows, and even the toilet! Once you have an active little one, you will observe truly how much they get into everything. Kids will open things that are closed, climb into spaces big enough to accommodate them (and sometimes those that aren't), and will teeter off of balconies and windowsills without any sense of danger. This is why locks are so important. 

Outlet covers are another type of "lock" that will keep kids safe. They plug right into your socket and prevent little fingers from getting zapped. Be sure to lock up anything that contains sharp or heavy objects, toxic chemicals, or anything that carries a risk of burn or electric shock. 

Besides baby-proofing, one of the most ideal ways to make your home kid-friendly involves your attitude and outlook. If you create a relaxed and happy environment for your child, not only will they be safer and less likely to get into mischief, but you will be happier as well. The sometimes inevitable clutter and messes that come with having kids will not be as stressful if you realize it's just the way it is and keep on top of it as best you can. 

According to Your Home and Garden, home life works best when you can create a space for your child to call their own, be it a rumpus room for rowdy time or a quiet reading corner for calmer times. If you want to keep your home organized, consider a ground-level organizer with soft fabric boxes or baskets filled with accessible toys. You can also fill a corner with pillows and a small bookshelf, or create a play area out in the yard.