Be afraid, be very afraid. Now you’ve got kids, everything has changed. And that includes DIY.
It doesn’t matter if you were Martha Stewart in a previous incarnation, now you’ve got kids all bets are off.
So, how do you remodel when you’ve got the forces of Satan (your kids) at your heels?
You take a deep breath and make some plans. Try following our top tips for painting success as a new mom (or dad!)
Think About What Time Of Year Is It
But now kids have come along and suddenly, and winter isn’t the best time to decorate with kids. It’s summer.
We think the warmer months are best for painting with kids, as obviously, the weather is warmer, and you will be able to get them out of the house.
There’s more chance of activities to occupy them (summer camp, day trips and so on). If you’ve got the space, you can cook/ bathe/live outdoors much more quickly.
A summer remodel your house up for the all-day painting, with long evenings to finish up in. With a bit of luck, you will only have to come inside to sleep at the end.
Forget Being A Domestic Goddess For The Foreseeable
Whilst your remodel is underway take it easy on yourself. Forget cooking for the duration of your renovations. You may not have access to your kitchen, and even if you do, this is where all the brushes and mess will end up. And you will be on permanent tea-making duty!
So, whilst the remodel is underway, avail yourself of some pizza flyers (or the takeout of your choice). Buy ready meals, or, if you like, ready-made prep dishes in advance that can be popped in the microwave.
And if you want to be extra chilled, get disposable plates for the duration. The last thing you want to be fussed with is the washing up.
Your Car Will Become A Sanctuary
Prep your car to become the go-to place for everything you can’t do in the house. That means storing essentials such as make-up, toiletries, phones, and tech accessories, your fave chill-out music, toys, school supplies or anything else that is important to your family. It may also be an idea to keep blankets, cushions, and other cozy items to help the kids settle.
If all else fails, you can always take them for a long ride until they drop off.
Plan Your Escape
You might decide to escape your remodel horror zone for the duration that work is being done.
If this is possible, plan your escape route, where and how long you will go for and if the renovators are alright to be left alone.
But if a complete getaway isn’t an option, try and plan some days away – meeting family and friends, or trips out. Put places like the library top of your list to hangout (free WiFi!).
Book A Professional Clean When All Is Done
Put that duster down. Don’t even think about trying to do this one yourself. When your remodel is done, we insist you factor in a professional deep clean before returning things to normal.
If you’ve hired professionals to redecorate, they should clean up in theory, but in practice, this is often very basic.
For your peace of mind, we recommend a full, deep house clean before doing anything – your mental health is worth it!
Painting with kids is an experience – the key is to plan well in advance and relax your strict standards until it’s all done!