As your children grow into teenagers, their needs and wants evolve. Consequently, it may be necessary for you to make some changes to your residence to ensure you can all share the space harmoniously.
It’s not just a question of getting along together, but also a question of peace of mind for the adults! Here are a few ideas you can use as jumping-off points to rethink your living environment. The objective: that all family members live amicably under the same roof.
Create Private Areas
Teenagers typically need a private area where they can retire to spend time alone or with their friends. Their bedroom is usually the top choice, but if your home is large enough, consider giving them another room. Tell them they can decorate it however they like and give them a budget to purchase a few decorative accessories or furniture.
Encourage Orderliness
Some teenagers tend to be messy but motivating them to stay organized can help them develop good habits for years to come. Invest in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets and bins to make it easier for them to keep their room clean and tidy. The effect won’t be miraculous, but it’s a step in the right direction! And for the parent, it can make all the difference.
Foster Independence
These future young adults often desire more independence and autonomy. Encourage them to take on responsibilities at home, such as doing their own laundry, preparing their own meals or performing a set list of household chores. This will help them develop important skills for adult life, while giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Likewise, consider assigning them a specific room to clean on a daily basis.
Design a Study Space
As your children grow up, their educational needs will become ever more demanding. Create a calm and well-light study area where they can do their homework and assignments free of distractions. Make sure this space is equipped with everything they require, such as a desk, a comfortable chair and storage. This study zone can be set up in a communal room; however, in this case, be certain to include some means of providing privacy, like a decorative screen.
Adapt the Communal Rooms
Do you want certain rooms in your house to continue to be places where you and your teenagers spend time together? Ensure the communal rooms, such as the living and dining rooms, are pleasant and comfortable for them and their friends. Consider adding some fun elements like a sofa bed or ottomans on which their guests can sit and relax. You aren’t looking to spoil them! Instead, the point is to get them to understand that they have a place at home, by your side.
Set the House Rules Together
Adolescence can be a challenging phase, as much for the parents as for the kids themselves. Promote open and honest communication by encouraging your teenagers to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns. You could also work together to draw up a list of rules that you both feel are fair—relating to music volumes or parental access to their bedroom, for example—to ensure your relationship remains harmonious.
By adapting your house to your children’s changing needs as they approach adolescence, you can create a living environment where they feel valued. And most importantly, where everyone belongs, parents and teens.