Most parents know that no matter how loved and worthwhile their children are (something you can never fully quantify or measure), they still need to be managed in spite of themselves. We tell our children to eat their vegetables and may apply punishments such as “no dessert before you do,” because it helps them, not because it hurts them. We redirect their behavior and set boundaries because they need to learn where the limits lie, not because they’re terrible individuals who cannot behave. On the contrary, kids are a great deal of fun!
However, it’s also important that sometimes, preventative preparation is not just about telling your child what to do and setting parameters for when they misbehave. It’s also about doing what you can to prevent issues from becoming issues at all. For example, despite their best efforts, children are natural explorers and may accidentally damage elements of your home.
To prevent this, it’s good to consider a few preparations not just for their safety, but the safety of your household. In this post, we’ll discuss how to prevent your little ones from damaging your house as well as you can:
Avoid Floor-Length Curtains
Floor length curtains can look great in a household, but unfortunately, little ones love to grab, pull, and hide behind them. It’s not that they’re trying to cause trouble necessarily; it’s just too tempting especially if you’re playing hide and seek or are overexcited. Shorter made-to-measure curtains or blinds can be a better choice. They’re out of reach for tiny hands and still do the job of covering windows, not to mention they’re easier to clean and maintain. Some parents have found that Roman shades work well too as they can be pulled up high during the day, keeping them safe even if your child is a natural climber.
Avoid Storing Expensive Items On Standalone Tables
Putting expensive items on tables that aren’t super stable already is asking for trouble with kids around, especially as they run from room to room. Children are naturally curious and love to explore by touch, but they can easily lose balance and fall into a vase or a fancy ornament on a wobbly table and smash it without meaning to. A good alternative is wall shelves, which work better for displaying and limiting a natural child’s reach.
Consider Cupboard & Drawer Catches
Your cupboards might not be so exciting to you, but children aren’t familiar with your purchases and may view them as a sort of treasure chest, because they’re full of interesting stuff to pull out and explore. Catches or locks on these can prevent toddlers from opening and throwing out your possessions or causing harm to themselves Catches can be helpful to prevent this. Simple plastic locks will usually do, while others prefer magnetic ones that are less visible. Just go for the option that fits in your cupboard well and that you can trust. After all, you don’t want to struggle to get into your own cupboards. Some people have found that designating a few “safe” drawers for kids to explore can satisfy their curiosity without risking damage to important items too, like the bottom drawer of a bedside table.
WIth this advice, you’re sure to prevent your little ones from damaging your house, even if they didn’t mean to.