Make sure that your children are
involved in the planning. It’s a wonderful learning
experience and can offer them yet one more “buy-in” into
the family dynamic. If the renovation includes a child’s
room, then it is all the more important that they be part
of your
decision-making process. Sometimes it‘s a question of
laying out two or three colours that you like and letting
them
choose from those two. The same may be true of wallpaper.
We have had parents who have let
the children help in planning a kitchen. Letting them draw their
own plans, can be a learning experience and they may just come
up with an idea or two!
We will want you to introduce your children to
the renovation team that will be working at your home. After
all, you are inviting a group of people to be in your home for
a significant period of time – they shouldn’t be
strangers.
We will take every precaution to protect your
children from any harmful construction debris. You may wish
to put a portable air purifier in your child’s room to
help remove dust and particles that will inevitably find their
way to the bedroom.
Your children should watch the project as it
unfolds. However, for safety reason, they should only be allowed
near the construction area while being closely supervised by
their parents. Tools are not toys, and can cause serious injury
to children who are unsupervised.
Construction or renovation time is a great time
to plan outings with the children. They will have a certain
amount of interest in what is going on, but boredom will set
in. Trips to the park, theatre, library and other places will
help them to cope with the disruption in their home.
If you take photographs of the various stages
of renovation, let your children put together a scrap book.
It would be great if you sat with them and helped them to write
descriptions and memories. They can draw pictures, describe
events or talk about the renovation team. The book will be a
real keepsake in your family.
M.S.M.
