Completing Home Improvement Projects with Children

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

31 May 2009 04:02 PM

One of the reasons that I think our house isn't getting improved as fast as we would like it is the fact that we have three young children. Projects are constantly interrupted by the needs of the kids, and it is usually hard to find a long enough block of time for larger, more time consuming projects.

But believe it or not, things can get done. Just yesterday, we were able to build a new fence, apply teak oil to some outdoor furniture, clean out a couple of boxes of clutter from the basement, build a log holder from a kit and add the split logs to the holder. I'm not saying that this is a typical day, but it shows that at least sometimes, things can be done.

Here are some of the ideas that we have found helpful when we need to complete a project when there are kids around.

Try to do things out of doors. If we have painting projects or finishing projects, we bring the materials outdoors to complete. This way we can keep an eye on the kids and they will play happily with their bikes and outdoor toys.

Break out a new toy, game or book. No toy occupies my kids for an extended period better than a new toy. The excitement of playing it will keep them focused. it is even better when the toy or game has instructions that they can read and figure out themselves, or when it is an open ended creative toys, such as blocks or clay. This strategy doesn't have to be expensive. Just put some old toys aside for just such an occasion. New tubs of play-doh or inexpensive foam airplanes work well, too.

Tag team your projects with your spouse or a friend. Decide which one of you will attend to the children's needs as they arise. This will prevent issues of being in the middle of a job that can't be stopped without it being ruined, such as painting or varnishing.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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gina00 (680) 04 Jun 2009 09:31 AM

Good tips! It does feel like you don't make as much progress w/ small children in tow, but I like the strategies you mentioned! It's just about that time of the year for outside projects :)