Toddler Friendly House | Toddler Times

When we began looking for our new house, I started with a list of the things I disliked about our current house:

-no linen closet
-no mud room
-only 3 bedrooms

? and the things I loved that I wanted to keep:

-formal dining room
-separate living room and play room
-wood flooring
-screened porch

I spoke on here about wondering ?how much space is too much space?? when we started looking at budget and options.? My husband and I decided that we wanted to buy a house that we could grow into for the next 10-20 years with possibly another baby and eventually teenagers. We looked at 10-15 houses in our price range and each had their positives and negatives. We eventually settled on a good deal: a rental that had been vacant, needed some TLC, but had good bones in a good neighborhood with good public schools.? Here?s the other stuff that led it to be ?the one? when we considered our growing family in this house:

• 

  Laundry and Mud Room

  Kids are dirty and I see plenty of muddy cleats and boots in my future, so having a drop-zone of a mud room right by the garage was a must-have on my list.

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#laundry-and-mud-room

• 

  A huge bckyard

  For his swingset, soccer ball kicking, playhouse, and room to run with his pup. We are big fans of children playing outside.

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#a-huge-bckyard

• 

  A separate playroom

  I don't like kids toys and kids mess around me. I know, that's the worst thing a mom can say but I like having separation, so having a place for Harrison's things and then having a place for me to relax in the evening was super important.

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#a-separate-playroom

• 

  A desk in a common area

  My husband and I decided a long time ago that our children will never have internet access in their rooms or anywhere they can be private. We simply feel that the best monitoring is done when the kid has no idea when you'll pop out and look over his shoulder next. So sure, Harry...you can check email and Facebook. While I make dinner 5 feet away from you.

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#a-desk-in-a-common-area

• 

  Four bedrooms.

  One for us, one for Harry, one guest room...and one for a future baby, maybe.

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#four-bedrooms

• 

  Flow

  I like separate rooms, but I also like being able to watch my kid. This means he can play in his playroom while I watch from the kitchen. Win!

  /toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/#flow

More from BA:

Is your toddler eating enough?

Toddler car seat safety. aka SUPER IMPORTANT TO READ.

Yep, you?re that mom.

Beth Anne writes words & takes pictures on The Heir to Blair. You can also find her on the Twitters & Facebook.

Source: http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2012/08/30/our-toddler-friendly-new-house/

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