Remodeling is designed to create change.

 

The kitchen layout will change. The amount of light in the breakfast room will change. The size of the family room will change. Whether you are undertaking a small project or a massive renovation, change is a natural part of the process.

 

Adults typically view such change in a positive way, but children may react differently. They may:

 

• not understand why their favorite room is now off limits to them.
• be hesitant to go near all those strangers walking through the house.
• show fear, anxiety or anger as their routines are disrupted.

 

There are several ways to prepare children for home renovations. The approach should vary based on their age, cognitive ability and personality.

 

Involve Your Children In The Process

Ask for their opinions and have them help with selections, if possible.

 

• a 5-year-old can help you choose between two patterns for his new bedroom linens
• a teenager can be more involved in choosing the overall color palette or style of furniture for his new room.

 

“By helping them feel they are included you make them feel they are part of the process,” said Alison Weiss, a licensed clinical social worker at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

 

Help Them Visualize The New Space

Show pictures or drawings of the new space.  While a toddler will not be able to visualize the new family room behind all those plastic barriers, she can look at a drawing or a picture from a magazine.

 

By the time a child is eight or nine years old, she can think abstractly. She might be able to visualize a larger family room or a reconfigured kitchen. Perhaps the contractor or architect would draw a floor plan just for her or “hire” her as a special supervisor. She then can report back to mom and dad on how the progress is going.

 

As you discuss the changes:

• explain the positive aspects of the project
• talk about how long it will last and
• discuss how their routines will change. 

 

Be Prepared For Negative Reactions

A toddler, for example, may react to new smells, such as paint, or to loud noises. “It’s important for parents to make sure children are not frightened and make sure they’re safe,” Weiss said.

 

This includes keeping children out of the way of hazardous materials and equipment, as well as reassuring them that they are in a safe environment.

 

Involve Them In Playful Ways

Instead of telling children to stay away from the project,

 

• involve them in ways that are safe, playful and educational. They will feel more connected to the project and more willing to adapt to the changes.
• try to have some fun with it. Ask children to look at the space every few days and tell you what is new. Make a game out of it -- Here’s how it looks today. How is it different from yesterday?

 

Allow Your Kids To Talk About Their Concerns

During the construction allow extra time for family members to adjust to their temporary quarters and find their belongings. The mad dash to the school bus will be much more frustrating if your son’s backpack is in one room and his coat is in another and his shoes are in yet another room.

 

You can:

·         set aside time the night before to talk with the children and help them prepare for the following day. This is important because anger and frustration can be magnified when people are in a hurry.

·         realize that everyone will be under stress during the construction. Take time to be extra sensitive and kind to each other.

 

Plan Fun Activities Away From The Project

If the project will go on for several weeks, plan some fun activities away from the house. If the kitchen is being remodeled and you plan to eat out often, let the children pick the restaurants. Ask them to plan a picnic in another part of the house.

 

Be patient. They may not be able to understand all the changes, but the whole family will benefit when the work is completed.