WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU NEED A KID-FRIENDLY HOME
Looking for houses is easy in our day with so many online services letting us search by location and even filter them by preferences. But when you are a parent looking for a home to move in with your family and kid(s), it’s a completely different ball game. Here are a few things to look for when you are looking for a new home – keeping in mind your little one.
1. IS IT A SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD?
When you are going to check out a prospective home, be sure to drive around the neighbourhood during different times of the day to ensure there isn’t any unsafe activity that happens around the area. Take a note of any nearby places that may be potentially dangerous. Take for example, liquor stores that secretly allow consumption there.
2. IS IT A FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD
Being an adult, our definitions of fun might have changed but when looking for a home, try to look at it from a kid’s perspective. For us, fun might be a weekend brunch but for them, it’s a safe space to play (play grounds, sports fields, swimming pools, etc.) and preferably a group of similarly aged kids to play with. Malls, theaters, restaurants, etc. being within reach is an added bonus.
3. IS IT CLOSE TO SCHOOL (and work)?
Most schools today offer a reliable transportation service, but the real problem is the traffic. If you or your child spend too much time traveling to and from school and office, by the time you come back home, you will have very little time and energy for anything else. Pick a home that lets you cut travel time so you can enjoy more memorable moments with your family.
4. ARE THERE THINGS TO LEARN FOR YOUR CHILD?
If your child is old enough, you might consider encouraging him or her to take up classes apart from school. Music, sports, fine arts, martial arts, etc. are a few example. Ask around the prospective neighborhood and find out if there are any such classes that happen in the vicinity.
5. THE “JUST IN CASE” PLAN
It’s always good to know what to do in case of a medical or any other kind of emergency situation. Look up pediatricians/hospitals around the area. It’s an often overlooked safety measure – to be within quick reach of medical help. Having close relatives living nearby is an added benefit that ensures some good times along with friendly help if needed.
6. CHILD SPECIFIC NEEDS
We don’t even need to tell you of these, since you are the parent and you know your child best. Consider this as just a friendly reminder from a thoughtful writer. If your child has any specific conditions or needs
(Few Examples: pollen and dust allergies, disability, etc.); ensure there are the necessary services / personnel nearby and that the locality is suitable for a happy and healthy life.
Now that you know exactly what to look for, you may set about on your search for the perfect home. It’s waiting for you and your family to find it, somewhere. Good luck!