Set your household up for success — make it work for the whole family

Family life is more pleasant for everyone when the home is made safe and less frustrating for young children. Making your home “child friendly” makes child rearing easier and can prevent many behavioral problems.

Parenting tips

Model and teach good safety habits.
Establish routines and rituals.
Talk with your child about changes ahead of time.
Make “off-limit” areas very clear and give reminders.
Discuss and KEEP family rules that work for the household you are creating (for example, put toys away after play).

Activities

Put breakables out of reach.
Keep dirty clothes hampers in convenient places.
Create special areas for your toddler’s playthings where a little mess is okay.
Select a space in the yard where your children can play in the dirt .
Place coat racks or hooks at your child’s level near the outside door.
Use plastic dishes.
Use washable surfaces for tables, chairs, and eve rything else you can.
Use satin-finish paint on walls so you can clean them easily.
Block stairs with gates until your child is able to climb down safely alone.
Remove or turn over the chairs that toddlers climb on to get on top of tables, desks, and other dangerous spots.
Use large sheets of newsprint to keep lists of family chores or schedules.
Have a basket by the front door for mittens and shoes.
Have a set place where everyone puts bookbags and homework.
Plan how a new exciting toy will be shared before it has to be shared.