How to Entertain Your Kids During a Remodel
While remodeling can help you achieve your dream home, it’s also one of the most stressful life events you can go through. From working with contractors to trying to DIY things that contractors should probably be handling, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed.
Throw kids into the mix, and things become twice as difficult.
It’s not uncommon for kids to want to help during a remodel, especially if they see you working. Unfortunately, most renovation/construction tasks can be too dangerous for little ones. Alternatively, if certain areas of the home are off-limits, your kids might get bored and restless.
Did we mention it can be stressful?
Finding ways to keep your kids entertained while you’re remodeling will keep them safe, make your projects go faster, and save your sanity. So, what can you do to make sure your kids are distracted so you can survive your home renovation?
Give Them Easy Tasks
Kids are less likely to interrupt with certain projects when they know there are things they can and can’t help with. So, think of some simple and safe remodeling projects they can tackle on their own or with your guidance.
One of the best ways to get them involved is with painting. It might be one of the last things you do when remodeling, but that makes it even better. You can incentivize it, letting your kids know they can help you with painting if they don’t try to interrupt other jobs around the house.
Aside from painting, there are plenty of little tasks your child could help with at a moment’s notice, especially if they keep asking or you know they’ll go “do their own thing” after they can help with something.
How involved your child can be depends on their age and interests. The last thing you want is for them to think they can do something on their own when it’s dangerous. But, some ways to let them help include:
- Asking for their input on colors and designs
- Tightening screws
- Weeding and gardening if you’re doing a landscaping project
- Letting them help decorate
Letting your child help with small projects is a great way to teach them some life skills. You could even spark a new interest in them. For some kids, trying something like construction for the first time can be all it takes for them to be passionate about home repairs and using their hands.
It can also be a confidence booster for them. While they might not do everything perfectly, you’ll be creating memorable moments with them that you can think back on years later as you look around the house.
Get Creative With Distractions
One of the easiest ways to keep your kids entertained and distracted during a remodel is with digital devices. The average child ages 8-10 spends about six hours a day in front of a screen. While a little bit of screen time is okay, too much can start to cause problems, including:
- Sleep issues
- Back and neck pain
- Lower test scores
- Symptoms of anxiety or depression
It’s up to you how much screen time you want to allow for your kids each day. While giving them a tablet or letting them watch TV might make it less stressful for you to get things done, you have to think of what’s best for your children. Consider creating a screen time agreement with them. It can include how many hours each day they’re allowed to spend in front of a digital device, and what they can/can’t do.
Undoubtedly, your kids will ask what they can do for fun if they aren’t able to be on their devices all day. So, get creative with your distraction ideas. Encourage playtime outside, or take a break to do a craft or project with them. You could even let them go to a friend or family member’s house to play. It’s something they’ll likely want to do, and it will give you some extra time to tackle bigger projects.
Give Them Their Own Space
Depending on the scope of your remodel, some areas of your home might be off-limits to your kids. There could be hidden dangers lurking around, including asbestos if you live in an older home. That’s dangerous for adults, and can be life-threatening for children who breathe it in. Construction equipment, tools, and chemicals can also be hazards found during a remodel. Keeping your children away will keep them safe, but it also limits what they can do.
So, it becomes easier for them to get bored.
One way to combat that boredom is by giving your children their own space. It could be their bedroom or a specific area of the house that you turn into a playroom for them. Include some of their favorite toys and entertainment options, and they’ll feel like they’re going on vacation each time they step into that room.
Make sure to stop and take breaks to enjoy some time with your child. Treat yourself (and them) to something special when you do. They need to know that they still have your attention, even when you’re busy. Even just a few minutes during your break can make a big difference and will help them feel connected to you, even while you’re working in other rooms.
You could also offer to make changes in their room when you’re done with the rest of the house. Ask them to give you some ideas for a bedroom upgrade, and they’ll be thrilled to come up with their own plans for the project.
There are always going to be bumps in the road when it comes to a home remodeling project. If you’re considering making changes to your home and you have kids, consider these ideas now. The more you talk to your children about the new project – and set some ground rules along the way – the easier it will be to keep them entertained so you can work as effectively and efficiently as possible.
