How To Keep Kids Safe During Home Improvement Projects
Moms, I think we can all agree that we love when one of our kids offers to help us with a chore without us asking. We can smile knowing that after diligently teaching our kids to be helpful and work hard, our efforts have borne fruit.
That is, until your six-year-old walks into the room lugging a drill and asking if she can help you and daddy put down the new flooring.
Sometimes, instead of helping our kids be helpful, we have to focus on keeping all their fingers and toes attached. And renovations are a biggie. Here’s how to keep kids safe during home improvement projects.
Prepare in Advance
Remodeling always disrupts the normal flow of the home. Before y’all start the project, decide how your kids will do the things they need to do without walking through the renovation war zone. Maybe they’ll need to use a different bathroom or go through the side door instead of the garage door. Once y’all have the plan, talk about it before the project starts. Little kids may need a sign to remind them not to walk in work areas.
Remember to Ventilate
When we think of home renovation safety hazards, our first thoughts usually go to nails left on the floor or unsupervised handsaws. But some of the biggest dangers are hovering invisible in the air—volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can cause breathing problems in kids. This is especially true if your job involves wood stains. Make sure to keep workspaces well ventilated.
- Keep windows and doors open
- Put a box fan in the window
- Store and throw away materials like paint and stain properly
Remember, VOCs can linger in the air for days and even weeks after y’all complete a project. Keep the area ventilated even after the work is done.
Take a Mini Vacation
Sometimes, the easiest way to keep your kids safe during home renovations is to keep them away from home renovations. It might be a good idea to have the kids take a little vacation during major projects. Have the kids spend some quality time with grandma and grandpa or see if they can spend the weekend at a friend’s house. That way, you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on them during the project.
Focus on Cleanup
I don’t know about y’all, but sometimes, I feel like I spend more time cleaning up after a project than I spend on the project itself. But the thing about cleanup is that you need to make the area safe. Nuts, bolts, screws, and nails hurt like the dickens to step on and can be a choking hazard. All that dust buildup can also exacerbate allergies. Take that extra time during cleanup. It’s worth it.
