Few things are as sacred in life as your home and family. As a homeowner, it’s important to find ways to keep your home safe for your children as they grow. From air quality and comfort to backyard safety and dedicated areas for play, it’s a great idea to check your home every year or so to make sure it’s in great condition for kids of any age. For ideas on ways to make your home safer for your children, read on.
Air Quality and Heating and Cooling Systems
A well-ventilated home with a good HVAC system is important to your child’s safety. Your ventilation system controls air quality and moisture in your home. In doing regular maintenance on your HVAC system, you’ll improve your indoor air quality and help lower your child’s chances of getting sick. The Covid-19 pandemic has made it clear that proper air vents and airflow make a big difference when it comes to germs in indoor spaces, too.
When considering air quality in your home, think about not only your heating system but air conditioning, too. When cold air circulates throughout your building, you’ll want it to be intentional and not due to a leak, poor insulation, or issues with your heating system. Circulating fresh air through your house with open windows is another great way to keep that air moving and your child safer at home.
Dedicated Spaces for Projects and Play
Having a dedicated area for your kids to play can make a huge difference in the overall safety of your home. Whether it’s a reading nook for their favorite books, a section of the kitchen for making pizza empanadas, or a craft room for art projects and learning, kids generally do well with structure and designated spaces. While you’re searching for easy empanadas your kids can make on a Saturday afternoon, think about ways to make it safer. Depending on their age, this could start with an Easy-Bake oven or mean you have sharp tools out of reach. While your child helps you measure out tablespoons, you’ll want those sharper knives and forks out of the way.
The right way to go about creating a designated space for your children begins with organization. The same way you’d clean out your attic, you’ll want to choose a room you’ll use and empty it from top to bottom before repurposing the space. Think about outlets, low-hanging blind cords, hardware, and trim work. Remove any mold in the room, too.
Yard Considerations for Safety
Nothing spells childhood like time in the yard. To make your yard safer, consider a privacy fence. Fencing in your yard will make a big difference in your child’s ability to play safely without the worries of traffic or other problems. If you have a pool, including a plastic children’s play pool, make sure your child is never left to play alone in the yard without supervision and that the pool is also fenced off. Think about the landscape of your yard, too. A flat and level, well-maintained yard will mean fewer chances of falling and other injuries. Spending the money to create the safest yard possible will pay off for both you and your child over time
Having a safe home for your kids will make your day-to-day life easier. Instead of worrying about your children being hurt, you’ll be able to enjoy your time with them. Taking some extra time out regularly to ensure your home’s up to speed is a decision you won’t regret and will mean a better quality of life for your children.