Partner-proofing, husband-proofing, relative-proofing
Home
What is the difference between a dehumidifier, humidifier and air purifier?
When it comes to keeping our homes safe and healthy for our families it’s not always easy to know where to start. We know dust and mould are no good for children (or adults) and you might have heard people talk about air...
Parenting Guides
30 things no one tells you about being a first-time parent
Motherhood is one of the most exclusive and wonderful clubs you will ever join, but like any good secret club, there are things you only learn once crossing over the threshold from pledge to fully-fledged member...
Partner proofing, husband-proofing, relative-proofing – whatever it may be. You need them to be able to find things when you need them and it also helps with putting things away where they go.
So while you’re doing stuff like sorting out the baby’s nursery, putting clothes away and sorting out those drawers with those wonderful inserts, we need to label everything. So whether it be onesies, long onesies, short onesies, leggings, swaddles, blankets – have it all clearly labelled.
You are going to have a lot of laundry when the baby comes along, especially in those first few months – although even when they are 8 years old there is still a lot of laundry!
If you can get somebody to put it away, they’ll put it away. They might be your partner in your life or a nanny, but that person who’s sharing those household chores with you will need to be instructed.
The interesting thing (and there have been studies) is that they while you might think they are being lazy or unhelpful, the truth is they are just worried about doing something wrong. So you are really fool-proofing in a way. The minute you say, “Oh, you’ve done it wrong,” they will just stop doing it all together. Take this insight and apply it throughout your whole house.
This really is the best tip because you’re not living with yourself, you’re a family. Just like everything else, we need to teach them and most importantly, you want to have help with putting things away. It doesn’t matter if it’s toys or dishes – it relates to every single place in your home.
So don’t forget – they would rather do nothing than do something wrong. Show them how to do it and they’re going to do it right and everyone’s happy.
Finally, once you have decluttered/organised/labelled, you need to take your family or whoever’s going to enter that home (and help) in those first weeks or months, on a guided tour! This means opening every cupboard, every drawer and showing them where everything is and you’re going to be so happy to do it because it’s clear and it’s labelled.
Other Articles
Home
Tips for managing space when sharing rooms
Whether you need to make room for a new addition, or simply want to make space and put your two children together – it’s easier than you think! Even if you have one cupboard in that room, with a little organising...
Real Stories
Ishq’s story: Living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Not long after my firstborn’s first birthday, she was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). We had a wonderful (and very thorough) doctor who was examining her nappy rash and saw what I always thought...
Celebration
10 Christmas gift ideas your little one’s teacher will actually want
Does anyone else feel like their Christmas shopping list just gets bigger every year? Don’t get me wrong I love Christmas shopping, in fact, I live for it each year, but I also pride myself on giving gifts people actually want/love/use. I hate the thought of giving someone something they don’t like or will never use. It’s wasteful – and also I’m competitive and love a challenge. But your kid’s teacher can be a tough...
Sign up
Don't miss a thing!
Stay in the loop on all things parenthood as we share tips, hacks, products, inspo & everything in between. We promise not to clutter your inbox.