Tag Archives: children

Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

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Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. So it’s not surprising that we all want to protect our homes from any possible harm that may come their way. Most problems can be easily avoided, so here are some of the main issues that pose a risk to the safety of your home and the best ways to deal with them:

Burglary: Any home is a target for burglars. Regardless of the place that you choose to live, your home could be broken into if you are not careful. But there are several precautions that can be taken to put would-be burglars off. Some precautions are common sense: making sure that all doors are locked and that windows are closed when there is nobody in the room to supervise them. There are also some extra steps that you can take to put your mind at ease. Always pull curtains closed at night. This means that potential thieves won’t be able to take a look in and scout out certain prize items that they might like to take.

You can also install motion sensor lighting around the perimeters of your home. These will be activated by the slightest movements, alerting you to anyone’s presence in the vicinity of your home’s grounds. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also install CCTV cameras near access points into your home, such as windows and doors. To protect your home from the inside, you might like to consider investing in a home security system. This will alert you to intruders downstairs when you are upstairs asleep.

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Not today, burglar. Not today.

Accidental Damage: Despite our best efforts, there will always be some form of accidental damage in the home. A little one might kick a ball indoors and send a TV set falling from its wall mount. Or perhaps a pet will walk along your mantelpiece, knocking off precious ornaments and crockery. Regardless of the cause of accidental damage, it is important that you are prepared for it. This is where home insurance comes into play. Make sure that you have a generous policy that states it will repair or replace anything that is accidentally damaged in your home. Remember though: prevention is better than cure. Lay down some house rules with your family and visitors to minimize the chances of accidents occurring in the first place.

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 Yikes!

Faulty Goods: In a similar vein to accidental damage lies faulty goods. Sometimes stores will unknowingly sell you an item that just isn’t quite up to scratch. Faulty goods can often break before you have gained much use from them. At best, you are left with a worthless item lying about your house in need of repairs or replacement. At worst, faulty goods could pose serious risks, such as fires or electrical hazards.

Your products should always live up to your expectations. Good quality products most often will. This is why you should always invest in items with a good warranty. A long lasting warranty displays the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. What’s even better? If something does go wrong, you will be able to have the faulty item replaced free of charge. Check out some of the best warranties on the market at https://warrantyguides.com/best-home-warranty-companies. This site will show you the most promising guarantees on the market.

Many home warranty companies will allow you to customize a plan that makes sense for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Do a walk through of your home and make a list of the items that you think should fall under the warranty and ones that you have questions about. Then, enter a search for “home warranty companies in Arizona” (or your local area) for a consultation. Should any problems arise, you will be so glad that you took this step.

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 Lol, why is there a game controller in the fridge?

Fire: Fire can destroy homes in a matter of minutes, so they are to be avoided at all costs. This mainly takes a little common sense. Don’t leave candles burning unsupervised. Unplug items that are not being used. Make sure that you turn the oven off as soon as you have finished cooking with it. If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking in the house. Stub out your cigarette ends and dispose of them safely in an ashtray.

However, sometimes accidents can occur. You should be prepared for these, even if they are unlikely. Regularly check that your smoke alarms are working properly. You should also have basic fire safety equipment in your home, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen. Make sure that you have a plan in place for the unfortunate event of a fire. Know your exits and the fastest routes out of your home.

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Check your batteries often!

Child Proofing: Even if you don’t have any children, your home should always be child-friendly. This means that if visitors arrive with children, that your home is immediately ready to accommodate them. There are certain key elements when it comes to making sure that little ones are safe and sound in your living space. Make sure that blind cords are rolled up and out of the way. Children can easily become tangled in them, which could prove fatal. Cover plug sockets, as little fingers will often stray into them and this could result in a nasty shock. For the same reasons, make sure that there aren’t any exposed wires lying about. Remove any piles of objects balanced on top of each other, as they can topple and knock a small child down.

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Garden Safety: The garden can often be overlooked when looking at a home’s overall safety. But it is just as important of an area as the rest, especially in the summer months when people will be tempted to spend more time outdoors. Make sure that any tools are stored away in a locked shed when they are not being used. Loose tools scattered around the garden pose a serious trip hazard or could be stood on, resulting in twisted ankles or injuries from sharp edges or points.

The same goes for bicycles or garden toys. Keeping belongings in a shed is also beneficial for deterring potential burglars, who are likely to take desirable items such as lawn mowers or bicycles from gardens at night. Make sure that any ponds or water features are clearly visible and marked to avoid people falling in. You should also check the perimeters of your garden every so often. Broken or splintered fences can catch on clothes and skin as you brush by.

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Lock your shed at night!

Creating a safe living environment means creating a happy one that is free from injuries and unneeded stress. Follow these tips to ensure that your home is as safe as can be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Happy Mother’s Day!!

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Happy Mother’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Happy Mother’s Day to all of the lovely people celebrating today. I’ll keep this post short and sweet so that you can get on with your brunches, walks in the park, and other Mother’s Day activities. But I just wanted to give a big lifewithlilred thank you to all of the mamas out there. Whether you’re a mom to children, your pets, a foster parent, or are in the process of trying to conceive or adopt – this day is all for you! Thank you for all that you do and for giving the world a dose of the love and care that only a mother can provide! Much love. -Sarah

Giving Your Children A Strong Start

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Giving Your Children A Strong Start

All parents know just how stressful it can be to try and keep your kids going in the best way possible as they are growing up. Attempting to give them the best start in life that you can can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle, but it is a struggle which you are probably never going to put down. If you care about your children, you will know that allowing them the best start possible is incredibly important. But knowing how to do that is something else altogether. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do and the areas on which you can focus to give your children a much better start:

Education: If there is anything that you want to intensely focus on for your kids, it is education. Knowing that your children are receiving the best education that they can means that you know that they are going to do well in life. But being able to ensure a decent education is not actually all that simple or easy to do. As it happens, however, you can do a number of things to make sure that it is vastly improved. One of the biggest things to do is to encourage their education in the home as well as sending them to school when they are old enough. And, it’s never too early to research your options for when that time comes. Simply enter a search for “pre k san antonio” (or your local area) and look for reviews from other parents or schedule a tour to find the best fit for your child.

Of course, you don’t have to spend every spare moment teaching your kids at home, but you can help them to understand things better with your assistance. Focus on the main subjects, which they will need for a strong education, and consider options such as the Effortless English Club if you find that they need some further help. Focusing on education early ensures that your children will be much better off right from the start.

As your child continues their educational journey, you might find that they have a special proficiency for a certain subject like Language Arts or math. If your kiddo is up to improving those skills even more, learning camps, an intensive english language course (or their preferred subject), or a tutor could be most beneficial. Just remember that enhancing your child’s knowledge will come through encouragement and support as opposed to pressure.

People Skills: Education is important, but it isn’t everything. People skills are highly relevant if you want your children to do well in life, as they will be useful in all sorts of situations throughout life, right from the very start. People skills can’t be forced – but what you can do is make sure that your child is given plenty of opportunity to practice them by allowing them to spend lots of time with other children, and even with adults whom you trust. This will give them the chance to develop their people skills young, and that will help them out majorly in the long run.

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Cool Kids!

Confidence: The ability to carry oneself throughout life with a confident attitude is one of the most valuable things of all, and the good news is that it can be instilled in your child just like anything else. Confidence is not something that you either have or do not have – it is a skill which can and should be learned. The best way to develop confidence in your child is to push them. Put them into situations which are slightly out of their comfort zones, until they are more and more comfortable with being themselves in those different situations.

Featured Image By: Pexels

The Hidden Dangers In Your Home

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As a parent, your kids are your life. After the responsibility sets in, everything you do, whether directly or indirectly, becomes a part of making sure your kids are as happy and healthy as possible. We’ve all heard the horror stories about kids injuring themselves on apparently harmless things around the house. If you want to avoid one of these, here are some of the biggest hidden dangers to think about:

Blinds & Cords: The boundless curiosity that every child is born with is great in many ways, but it can backfire majorly if it’s applied to the wrong thing. Blinds, in particular, are one thing that’s been found to put a child’s safety at risk. The cords that hang from blinds can become a dangerous trap for curious toddlers, who can become tangled in them, leading to nasty falls and even strangulation. You should be applying the same caution to less obvious cords around the home, as well. Cords connected to your toaster, kettle, and other appliances can be tugged, causing the heavy appliance to fall off the counter and onto a child. From here on, keep any kind of cord out of reach wherever possible. There are many companies like Intercrown which supply child-friendly blinds to avoid such frightening fiascos.

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Practice cord caution!

Pesticides: Getting pests in the home is very irritating and can cause a major hygiene concern. Naturally, you don’t want your child’s health to suffer in a home that’s infested with creepy crawlies, and may think that you’re protecting them by using a strong pesticide on various spaces around the house. Wrong! All pesticides contain some toxic chemicals, and children are much more susceptible to them than grown adults. Your child’s brain won’t be fully developed until they reach the age of 12 and if they’re exposed to some of the more common chemicals on the pest control market, it can seriously stunt the development of their central nervous system. It doesn’t help that children have more skin surface relative to their size, and will absorb much more of a given chemical than you or me. Try to avoid pesticides wherever possible, and look for alternatives like this Green Tech Bug Heat treatment. Putting up with a few bugs in the home is much better than long-term exposure to poison.

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Batteries: Children ingesting small items or choking on them is a major fear for any parent, but batteries are one “small part” that need to be kept away from children more than any other. Once these are swallowed, they’ll actually be digested by the stomach’s acids. This releases the heavy metals in the battery, and can cause some serious health problems. It’s pretty rare for parents to know that their child has swallowed a battery immediately, and it’s only when the aggressive and severe symptoms come up that they seek medical attention. Make sure that all of your batteries, particularly smaller button ones, are out of reach and sight of your kids. It may also be worth thinking about the battery-powered things your child has access to, and how easily they’d be able to take one out.

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 Beware of batteries!

Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

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Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

If you are thinking seriously about expanding your family by four furry paws, then you’ll be wondering whether it’s best to go for a brand-new puppy or a rescue animal. It’s a big decision and it’s not until you really give it some thought that you’ll realize there are some rather large differences between the two. Puppies are adorable little balls of fur that bring joy with their big, heart-melting eyes. If you take on the responsibility of a new puppy, you’ll be spending a lot of time in that first year with training and behavior. You’ll have to learn about the foods they should and shouldn’t eat. You’ll have to care for them from top to bottom in terms of needs and they’ll have to learn what behavior you accept, which is difficult for new pups!

An adult dog brings just as much joy as a puppy, and comes with the gained knowledge of how to respond to commands. They also come with a little attitude in some cases, where you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Not because they can’t learn new tricks, but because older dogs are wise and sometimes make it more of a challenge for you! You will still have the decision about which dog food manufacturer to choose because even with an adult dog, they can be fussy fur balls that know what they like! You want to give them the best so do some online research first. The positive here is that you can skip that fairly awkward and time-consuming puppy stage. Potty training has happened, teething has happened, and you can go ahead and integrate them into your home gently. So, what questions must you ask yourself?

Time: A puppy requires an awful lot more time than an adult dog. Much like bringing home a new baby, they require almost constant supervision in the first few months of their lives. Teaching them to use the correct space for toileting, obedience, and commands all take up time so make sure that you have time to give before you take a puppy on.

Lifestyle: Do you have the chance to work from home or are you out of the house all day? Sometimes lifestyle changes have to happen to fit a dog into your life and if you are spending eight to ten hours a day away from the home, it’s not fair to the dog. Or to you, really, as you will have the guilt hanging over you by being away so much. Consider an older dog instead of a puppy who can cope with longer periods without you. It’s also important to think about the climate you live in when you are considering your lifestyle. For example, french bulldogs in cold climates might require special clothing while a husky would thrive in the chilly temps. The weather can play a huge part in your dog’s health and you will want to accommodate accordingly.

Children: If you have children at home, you’ll need to wait a few years before adopting a dog or puppy. Sometimes older dogs can’t get on with children and other times children can’t get on with a new puppy. Older children can have a little responsibility with walking and feeding when they can understand not to yank its tail!

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A dog is not something you should rush buying. They’re a pet for life and require careful thought and consideration, not just for what they will need but whether the family can cope with the new addition. Make careful choices and thoroughly research every angle before you go ahead. But when you make your choice, you will be welcoming an amazing new friend and addition into your family.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Puppy-Love: Introducing A Dog To Your Children

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Puppy-Love: Introducing A Dog To Your Children

There can be nothing cuter and more heart-melting than seeing your little one(s) playing in the house or garden with their best-friend; their dog. Very quickly, you’ll watch them become the closest of companions, look out for each other, and make a bond like no other. However, there needs to be some responsibility when introducing a puppy or a dog into your home, especially with small children running about. The dog needs to get used to the children, especially as they approach life differently to adults: they scream, shout, run, and rarely sit still. As such, you’ll also need to teach your children how to care for a dog to instill a sense of responsibility as a new caretaker to their canine companion.

A Cautionary Tail: Making sure you create the foundations for a wonderful relationship can be dependent on the age of your children as well as the age of your dog. If you’re thinking of doing something fantastic and getting a rescue dog, you might want to wait until your little one is a bit older. If you’re getting a puppy, we’d suggest that you supervise the way it interacts with your tiny human by monitoring them at all times, at least at first. Of course, we all live busy lives and total supervision can be hard. So if you can’t supervise, keep your dog in a safe and comfortable place away from you kid(s),  just in case.

Creating the Best Relationship Ever: When it comes to bonding, you’ll need to teach your kids how to be around dogs, especially yours! The first thing you should do is teach your children how to say ‘hey’ to a dog nicely, so that it doesn’t get spooked or scared. Basically, let the dog know that you are there and that you want to interact with him or her. A great way to do this is by standing side-on, getting your child to make a slightly bunched fist and invite the dog to come to you. If the dog wants to play, then great, but make sure your little ones stroke his back and don’t reach for his head straight away.

Another great tip is to teach your child that dogs need to be treated with care and that they should always be gentle with dogs. That means no hitting, no biting, no scratching, and no pulling ears or tails. As a parent, reading up is always a great thing to do, as well. Read up on the breed of dog, yes, but why not go one step further and educate yourself on dog body language. This is an excellent way to know if your doggy is getting uncomfortable and being able to intervene before anything happens. Make sure you’re always ready to intervene, like we said above; just in case.

On the dog side of things, a great thing to consider is training; professional training. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new puppy or a rescue dog, dog training services are a fantastic way of getting your dog to behave, know your commands, and learn how to act around children. We can’t stress enough how valuable this service could be, not just in terms of safety, but your stress levels too – dogs combined with kids can be quite hard work!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Who Is Really Looking After Your Kids? Get Peace of Mind, and Find Safe Childcare

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Who Is Really Looking After Your Kids? Get Peace of Mind, and Find Safe Childcare

Sometimes in life, we have to leave our children in the care of others. Maybe it’s due to work commitments, because of their extracurricular activities and hobbies, or perhaps we just need a break. Parenting is busy and stressful, sometimes you just need a nice date night with your partner away from the kids to keep the spark alive and claw back a bit of sanity! But when our children are so precious, as parents we need to be vigilant about their caretakers. Schools require teachers to have thorough checks done, but not all childcare establishments do, so you have to be careful. Here are some of the ways that you can ensure your child is safe when they’re being looked after by others:

Do a Background Check: When it comes to your kids, you can never be too careful. Doing a background check on anyone who cares for your kids without you there can give you peace of mind. You’re able to pull up past information about people from convicted crimes and warnings to cases that were dropped in court. You can get background checking done from an Expert Private Investigator in Edinburgh – Bondrees.com if you are considering a new childcare provider. While it’s not completely foolproof, a clean record can help if you don’t know the person well.

Of course, always use common sense and good judgment, but if you just need to know their background to be sure, then this is one way to go about it. Whether it’s a nanny, babysitter, an ex’s new partner, or anyone else who is around you children- it’s always good to be cautious. You could click here for free warrant checks online if this is something that you would benefit from.

Ask About Medical Training: If you leave your children at a daycare, babysitter’s house, or with a nanny- ask about what medical training they have had. Do they know first aid, and can they apply it to children? Don’t feel shy about asking to see certificates for proof. Those who have nothing to hide won’t mind showing you. The same applies to food safety. To avoid illnesses and food poisoning, those looking after children and preparing food for them should have a good knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene.

Request References: Good references will show you that the person looking after your children is competent and good at their job, as well as has prior experience in child care. If you’re hiring a nanny, for example, you will want to choose the most qualified candidate, and past experience is a great way to judge how well they will do when they work for you.

Use a Nanny Cam: In most places in the US it’s completely legal to use surveillance equipment in your home, without the consent of the person you’re recording. It’s illegal to record in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy however, so it goes without saying that bathroom areas are off limits but also your live-in nanny or au-pair’s bedroom. But for use elsewhere in the home, a nanny cam can be useful if you want to keep tabs on what’s going on.

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Featured Image By: Pexels

Curiosity Kills? No – Kids’ Curiosity Gives Them Skills

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Curiosity Kills? No – Kids’ Curiosity Gives Them Skills

A major part of ensuring your children grow up intelligent is encouraging curiosity. We learn more than anything by asking questions. A person could walk past an almost silent classroom and be tricked into assuming that learning was going ahead perfectly. But the classroom where pupils are asking questions is more likely to see a real transfer of knowledge. As long as they’re the right questions, of course!

That curiosity is often what separates the child who will get A and A+ in their exams from those who will get just pass marks. When it comes to excelling in history, it is useful to know that Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon. It is better yet to know why he did it. This curiosity is a part of any subject. Quite early on in learning a language, we will learn full sentences (such as “Comment t’appelles-tu?”). It might then be months or even years until we understand all the parts of that sentence. But understanding what each word means will give a student more confidence in speaking the language.

As a parent, it is useful to be able to encourage this kind of curiosity in a child. Taking a full part in your kids’ education can help them perform better in the classroom and in exams. Here are some tips to making your child’s life as educationally fun as possible:

If You’re Going To Watch TV, Find Time For Brainy Viewing: A lot of people have the opinion that watching TV is bad for children, insisting that they should be studying textbooks and doing homework. Of course, those parts of education are important, but TV can play a part, too. Historical dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects and the evening news are all worth watching. So, too, are quiz shows. Kids of all ages are pleased to see their knowledge reinforced. They will also be keen to enhance it in areas where they’re less strong at the moment.

You’ll Learn More By Traveling: It’s fair to say that if your child went on every school trip, it could end up costing you a great deal of money. Prioritizing the best ones for them can work out well, though. If they show a flair for languages, then school trips to Berlin and similar cities can enhance that knowledge. It’s also worth bearing it in mind when planning family holidays.

You can show support and encouragement for your child’s curiosity by participating in field trips too. You could provide transportation or be a chaperone, which will let your kiddo know you want to be there and learn. After the different expert-led school trips you take part in, make a point to discuss it with your child. What they liked, what could have been better, the most interesting thing that they learned, etc. This is a win/win situation as your kiddo will gain new knowledge as well as quality time with you!

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 Family vaca, anyone?

Take The Chance To Learn More Yourself: Any parent will know how much joy there is in teaching their young ones something and seeing it stick. From the moment they potty-train successfully onwards, there will be chances to do so. It never stops being satisfying. What we often don’t realize is that kids enjoy this feeling too. When you ask them about what they’re studying, and they tell you something you didn’t know, show how impressed you are and ask more questions. This will encourage them to keep learning themselves.

And if there’s a subject that you find interesting, why not take a few lessons yourself, at a night class or online? Speaking French around the house or swapping books on art or history can fuse a common interest which will be useful to you both. Curiosity, at any age, is something we should encourage.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Ensure Your Child Stays Warm And Toasty This Winter With These Unmissable Hacks

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As the weather gets worse outside, our mind is focusing on ensuring that our children stay healthy during the winter months. After all, it’s so easy for them to pick up a flu bug or a skin issue at this time of the year. And they are easily preventable if you make sure that your child stays a good temperature during winter. Here are some unmissable hacks to ensure that your child stays warm and toasty when it is freezing cold outside:

Get Them a Good Hat, Scarf, and Gloves Set: One way that you can make sure your little one stays warm is by investing in a good winter set for them. A hat, scarf, and pair of gloves are essential to keep your child toasty during the cold months. You need to make sure the hat fits comfortably so they aren’t tempted to take it off while they are out. And you can even get some gloves which have been designed to use with mobile phones. That way, they can still surf the net without taking their hands out of the gloves!

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Aw! :’)

Get Them a Good Winter Coat: Another essential which will keep your child at a good temperature during the winter is a coat. If they go out without this most important item, they are bound to end up feeling the chill while they are out and about. And it will put them at a higher risk of getting the flu during the winter months. So head out to the stores and find a good coat for your little one. Some brands like moncler kid do a range of coats which will be perfect for keeping your child warm in the winter. And remember to pick something which will last your little one the whole season. That way, you won’t have to head out to buy them a new coat any time soon.

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Keep the House Warm: While you can’t control the temperatures your child may face outside, you can warm thing up inside your home. If your house is nice and toasty, it will put your child at a lower risk of picking up bugs during the cold months. You might want to set the thermostat so that it comes on just before they get home from school. And if your home needs some extra heat, you might want to consider putting a fireplace, if you have one, to good use so your home can have some additional warmth and a nice atmosphere. It’s a win win!

Update Their Bedding: You should also make sure that your child has adequate bedding that will keep them from any drafty chills during the night. Shivering in the early hours can lower the immune system and your child could wake up with a bug in the morning. Break out the flannel sheets and a good quality duvet which will keep them extra snug at night. You should also get a throw or blanket which they can pull around themselves if they get extra chilly as they prepare for bed.

This Guide Will Help You To Create A Kid Friendly Kitchen

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If you have kids, allowing them to help you in the kitchen can have so many benefits. They’ll learn a ton of new skills, have fun, and you’ll both get to bond. However, if you’re going to do this, you need to make sure your kitchen is kid friendly. This guide will help you to create the perfect kid friendly kitchen:

Add A Bright Color: Adding a bright color to the kitchen will make it a lively and more fun place to be for kids. That doesn’t mean that they can’t have fun in a neutral kitchen. You could always use patterns and things to make it pop for them instead. Just remember, you can still have a classy kitchen suitable for adults while making it look fun for kids too. It doesn’t need to look like a play room!

Try Kid Sized Furniture: If you like, you could include a few pieces of child sized furniture. If you like having little helpers in the kitchen and they enjoy helping you, getting them a suitable work surface could actually be a great addition to your kitchen.

Consider Creating A ‘Kid’s Area’: If you do consider adding kid sized furniture, you could always think about making a complete ‘kid’s area’ if you have the room. This could include a blackboard and other accessories that they can use.

Include Fun Accessories: There are so many cool accessories that you can include in the kitchen to make it more fun for kids. How about bright coasters, chopping boards, and other chef kitchen decor? You could also include dress up aprons, tea towels, pastel colored utensils, and so much more!

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Keep Things Organized: Keeping things organized is key if you want to know where everything is, and this will teach your kids to be organized, too. There are lots of ways you can do this. Some people like to make extra use of their cabinets by sticking hooks and things to the inside of the door so that they can hang extra utensils. Not only will this help your kids to become more self sufficient in the kitchen, but it will also teach them the important skills of staying organized and putting things back where they belong.

Lock Away Dangerous Substances: Make sure that you lock away dangerous substances, either in a high up cabinet or with a sturdy lock. If they’re old enough, you should explain to them why they shouldn’t touch these products. It’s all too easy to mistake a colorful bleach bottle for a tasty drink when you’re a child. You should also make sure that it isn’t easy for them to get their hands on lighters, matches, sharp knives, and scissors.

Child Proof Sharp Corners: Make sure that you also take the steps to child proof any sharp corners in the room to avoid injuries. When kids are a certain height, they could very well cut their head open or damage their eyes on a sharp corner. Teach them not to climb up onto high surfaces either and that you don’t give them an easy way to do it!