Homes for Raising Older Kids
Ideal homes for raising older kids differ a bit from ideal homes for young children. In this post, we'll explore how they differ.
Remember when your first child started to crawl? You
went all over the house installing baby gates on top of stairs, safety
covers on electrical outlets and locks on all the cabinets. And the ideal home was open concept with bedrooms next to one another so you could keep an eye and an ear on the kiddies. Remember that? Well those days are over. The kids have grown and the family’s needs are changing. Here are some characteristics of good homes for raising older kids.
Their own space: When they were little, kids might have been fine sharing a room. But as they grow up privacy and space become more important to them. Ideally each older child has their own bedroom, not only to sleep in, but as their own refuge when they need some alone time.
Older kids should be encouraged to participate in designing their room to allow for personal expression. Don’t forget to accommodate for sleepovers whether that means a bunk bed, trundle bed or room on the floor for an air mattress.
Understanding that space limitations won’t always allow for this, it is ideal if bedrooms aren’t right next to each other so the sound of music or video chatting with friends doesn’t disturb the rest of the family.
Your own space: Equally important is that mom and dad have their own space to relax and unwind in. Ideally the house has room for both a living room and a family room or basement rec room. That way when the kids have friends over there is separate space for all. Furnishings in the kids’ space should be hardy enough to stand up to whatever the kids get up to.
(I know its a cliché, but) bathrooms: Again, if space were no object, there would be multiple bathrooms in the house. As kids get older, the time they spend on personal grooming increases. To avoid line-ups and frustration from other family members, extra bathrooms would be ideal.
If your family has outgrown your house, I'd be happy to show you some family friendly options within your budget. You can reach me at 905-822-6900.
Their own space: When they were little, kids might have been fine sharing a room. But as they grow up privacy and space become more important to them. Ideally each older child has their own bedroom, not only to sleep in, but as their own refuge when they need some alone time.
Older kids should be encouraged to participate in designing their room to allow for personal expression. Don’t forget to accommodate for sleepovers whether that means a bunk bed, trundle bed or room on the floor for an air mattress.
Understanding that space limitations won’t always allow for this, it is ideal if bedrooms aren’t right next to each other so the sound of music or video chatting with friends doesn’t disturb the rest of the family.
Your own space: Equally important is that mom and dad have their own space to relax and unwind in. Ideally the house has room for both a living room and a family room or basement rec room. That way when the kids have friends over there is separate space for all. Furnishings in the kids’ space should be hardy enough to stand up to whatever the kids get up to.
(I know its a cliché, but) bathrooms: Again, if space were no object, there would be multiple bathrooms in the house. As kids get older, the time they spend on personal grooming increases. To avoid line-ups and frustration from other family members, extra bathrooms would be ideal.
If your family has outgrown your house, I'd be happy to show you some family friendly options within your budget. You can reach me at 905-822-6900.
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