The pandemic might have caused a baby bust instead of a baby boom—at least in the United States—but it doesn’t mean couples need to stop dreaming about having a big family. Some researchers predict a baby boom this year, especially since there are hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon become endemic, and the world might experience a semblance of normalcy sooner rather than later.
One of the biggest lifestyle changes every family needs to make is to prepare their home if they want to expand their family, and certain additions can make a house a home. Here are some essential home features every growing family needs.
Spaces for Physical Fitness
A person’s formative years can greatly influence how they will take care of their bodies for the rest of their lives. A child’s upbringing can make or break the way they view their health and overall wellness, which is why parents will be smart to invest in spaces that will allow their kids to be physically active. Here are some examples you can add for your home:
- A sports court for basketball or tennis where the kids can engage in a competitive activity that will also foster their sportsmanship and love for the game. The best thing about having a sports court is that it can also provide double duty. It doesn’t have to be just a court for a sport—it can also be a space where they can do some acrobatic exercises, do some dancing, play with the pets, and others.
- A swimming pool where the kids can learn how to swim. Swimming is good for children’s cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and level of endurance. It’s one of the workouts that allow people to move their bodies as nearly all muscles are maximized when you’re swimming.
- A jungle gym can also be a fun way to get the kids to do some physical activity since it will help build their muscles. Moreover, their sensory and motor skills, as well as their balance, are also strengthened. That way, you can be sure it’s an addition that will significantly benefit the health of your kids.
Homework Station
Another addition that homeowners need to invest in is a homework station for kids. Face-to-face classes are back, but if the pandemic has taught everyone anything, it’s that restrictions can take place any time, especially it’s for everyone’s health and safety. When that happens, kids need a space where they can attend their online classes in peace, as well as do their homework.
And even if there are no lockdowns, a homework station is still a worthy investment in homes with big families because, in the same way that it is healthy for adults not to work from their bedrooms, it is also optimal for kids to have a specific place where they can be productive, so that they don’t associate their bedrooms as a place for studying.
Creative Storage Solutions or a Mudroom
If homeowners are thinking of expanding their families one day, then they need to ensure that there is enough space for everybody. Kids don’t just need clothes and shoes; they also need hobbies and other items for entertainment and their overall well-being. You never know if you’ll end up raising kids who are into sports, so you might need extra storage spaces for their gear.
A mudroom is also essential for a growing family because kids tend to not care about how messy they get when playing outside. A mudroom, or at least an entryway with storage space for shoes, is a creative solution for not getting mud inside the house. It will help create the habit of leaving dirty shoes in the entryway before entering the home.
Outdoor Living Areas
Another worthy addition to a home occupied by a growing family is a more comfortable outdoor living area. If homeowners want their kids to grow up enjoying their houses and not wanting to spend more time at their friends’ homes instead, then having a complete home is essential. A homey and comfortable outdoor living area is a necessity in the time of COVID-19 because it will help you feel like you’re not always cooped up at home. Whether it’s a deck or a porch, make sure it has a comfortable couch and plenty of warm textures like blankets, throws, and an area rug.
If you want to build a happy and healthy family, a complete home is crucial to achieving that goal. Consider these home additions when planning your dream home for your dream family.
Meta title: Home Additions for a Big Family
meta desc: There are certain additions that can make a house a home. Here are some essential home features every growing family needs now more than ever.