(Part 1 of 3) Yes! Space. Making Any Space Ready, Even for the Youngest HEROES IN TRAINING
“Baby proofing” -- that’s what some people call the practice of preparing your home for the homecoming of a baby or a visit from a young child. What if, instead of “baby proofing,” you thought of it as “baby inviting?” You can determine how you could say “YES!” instead of the repetitive “NO!” in that tone, you know the one I’m referring to…the ones that creates an odd dynamic between you and your child, as she hears “NO” and then, she innately wants to test that limit and experiment with “What will happen if…?” OR “If I do not listen, is there a consequence?”
Hero HINT: Prior to modifying anything in your environment, observe your child and her interests or the curiosity she displays in each space. Take note of the behaviors or actions that you observe in a particular space in your home, paying particular attention to interactions that annoy you or those that seem unsafe, and therefore, you would like to change.
As you explore spaces in your home, consider these broad questions:
1. How can my child be independent in this space?
2. What am I willing to do or change to encourage independence in this space?
3. Are there areas of my home that I would prefer to maintain in such a way that they ARE NOT a “Yes!” space? How will those areas be secured or supervised?
Common Areas and Components:
Furniture - Do you want your child on the furniture? Is there furniture that you would prefer were not utilized by your child? As you work towards creating “yes” spaces, is there an area of your home or a room that some or all of the furniture of concern can be placed? This way you can still enjoy the furniture and use it how you please, without worrying about your child utilizing it in this time.
Televisions - Is the unit secured to a piece of furniture or mounted on a wall? What have you done to ensure that the television cannot fall (on your child)?
Electronics - Electronics that you deem valuable should be out of reach, so they are not a temptation or grounds for a power struggle. Perhaps, in time, some electronics may need “child-proof” cases to be protected and safely used by your child. What are age-appropriate electronics?
Cords - How can cords be secured to the wall, adhered to the floor, tucked behind furniture or actually hidden altogether?
Electrical outlets and power strips - Have you considered outlet covers for wall outlets and the unused outlets on power strips? These simple covers could save you a BIG headache later! If they are mainly not accessible, then this potential POWER STRUGGLE is eliminated!
If you are able to implement some of these suggestions, then, YOU SAVED THE DAY! Most importantly, TAKE TIME TO REFLECT.
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to check out the other 2 parts in this series: Part 2 and Part 3. If you would like assistance creating a space, be sure to reach out and connect: info@homedayhero.com. Follow Stacey on Instagram: @stacey.homedayhero.