Many people ask me how we are able to accomplish what we do with kids in tow. I actually ask myself that sometimes… recently I saw a little comic about a mom trying to clean up the house. (story of my life) If I had the skillz I could make one about DIY parents… banishing children from painted areas, explaining to them to back away from the power tools…hearing protection and safety goggle- kids size. No, we don’t let our kids use power tools… just hand tools.
I am half way joking.
These are my tips for making it through a major reno/build/DIY project with kids! Aside from the obvious… working while the kids are asleep. Something that is important to note, is that while we have young kids ( nearly 3 and 5) they are not babies. I would never attempt to be involved in this build with a baby. And judging by the sleeping habits of our first two boys as infants, neither would Matt. Our boys are relatively self sufficient- I don’t have to worry about G doing too many daredevil things, and if per chance he does attempt something, E is quick to alert us. E LOVES being put in charge. He suddenly takes on this sweet little role, gets G a drink, sets up toys… you name it. Its quite precious really.
So, here is my list!
10 Tips for #DIYParenting:
1. Set clear safety boundaries and expectations– Our boys, under no circumstances are allowed to enter the addition without an adult. This is something I take very seriously. I use my scary mom voice when explaining the rules. They are banned from nearing certain areas that contain tools that are potentially dangerous. We have a bubble. It is actually quite rare that they go into the addition… sometimes we give them a baby tour when something major has happened, like a roof, windows or interior walls… but for the most part, I think they forget about it’s existence.
2. Feed the children– There is nothing worse then finally getting out the door, up the ladder… you name it- only to have whining, crying children. Generally with my boys that signals hunger. So, take the extra 30 minutes to prepare a snack or feed them an early lunch.
3. Set them up!– Yes, our kids have watched more tv (especially in the colder months) than I personally like. However, I often set them up with one of the following: play doh, puzzles, coloring, playmobil, lego, trains… you name it. The key is avoiding conflict between the two of them… ie. over a certain toy. Sometimes I manage that, sometimes I don’t.
5.Disconnect power- this is pretty self explanatory. But, we remove batteries, unplug power chords etc.
6. Clean up– sometimes, while painting, this can be a bummer. But, it is unreasonable to expect a 2 year old to leave a saran wrapped paint tray or roller alone, when all he wants is to have a turn. I try to eliminate temptation.
7. When suitable, involve them!– E loves painting. I give him an opportunity to do a few rolls, or swipe a few brush strokes. Under supervision, he uses a hammer and nails to build birdhouses or little “things” he also has used a hand saw with supervision on several occasions. I think that if you give kids proper safety guidelines and supervision, and they are capable, this is a great way to involve them. G is happy to sit on a chair and watch, or stack scrap blocks. Obviously, he is not allowed to use tools at this point. He does love sweeping up saw dust…A note on this: I usually do the supervising- Matt keeps busy. I am like 1/4 of a full time worker… but 100% mom! At least that’s what I tell myself.
8. Be flexible– some days we have to quit early, or shorten our work list. That is to be expected. And many days my role is to keep the boys busy and have food and coffee on hand, so Matt can be productive.
9. Potty time– always, always, get your kids to go to the bathroom before you get to work. With G’s potty training, there were many times I had to sprint into the house to assist him…
10. Mix work and pleasure– If myself or Matt are home, our kids want to be with us! Of course, we are the coolest people in their little worlds. So, we take breaks to go for a walk on a sunny day, enjoy a hot chocolate, or play a board game.
