Your first thought when good friends invite you over for a meal at their house – ‘Hooray! I can’t wait to see them’. But if your friend doesn’t have a child/only has a baby or older children, then a second thought runs through your mind, ‘Damn, their house is going to be trouble’.
People who don’t have children or who have infants, do not know the pitfalls of having a toddler running around. People with older children have forgotten all about it. No one takes time out to toddler-proof their homes ahead of a visit with friends. But those of you with children between the ages of 10-42 months will know what I am talking about.
There are actions that you can undertake that will reduce the headaches and suffering that may otherwise occur. If you have invited over friends who have a toddler, here are…
Some tips to toddler-proof your house to save you and your guests some stress:
1. Put away sharp knives. I can’t tell you how many houses we’ve been in that have had huge, sharp knives on the edge of dining tables, on a coffee table, at the bottom of a butcher’s block and even on the kitchen floor. Seriously. On. The. Floor.
2. Blow out those candles. Yes, lighting a candle can be quite nice and relaxing. But arriving at a house covered in lit candles when you have a two year old? My heart begins fluttering as I picture my toddler a) burning down your house or b) getting third-degree burns on his hands and face.
3. Move your bottles. I understand you like to display your valuable wine bottles on a low shelf or on the floor. But maybe you could keep them up high so that hundreds of pounds worth of wine don’t stain your carpet? And remember, my family lives on one income, we will not be reimbursing you.
4. Hide your sweets. I appreciate that you want to be welcoming, but a giant bowl of candy and chocolate? Have you ever met a child? Do you not care if my child get hyped up and shrieks the entire drive home (all whilst being covered in wine)?
5. Pick up the pens. A pen or a marker in the hands of a toddler who doesn’t have paper? Neither you or I want my child to write all over your walls.But how can I stop my lightning quick toddler if he finds a pen while we have our backs turned for half a second (cause that is all it will take)?
6. Be prepared for the mess. You would be surprised how quickly a small child can destroy a room. I always try to tidy up after my children, but many people say not to worry. I hope they are not huddled in a corner, in tears, after our departure.
If after all this, you still want to invite me over. Just tell me a time (that obviously does not interfere with my child’s nap time or bedtime) and I will see you there.
Yes!! I can’t relax if I go anywhere NOT child proofed! Especially with two little monkeys running riot! That’s why we stick to our own house, or friends with babies/toddlers!!!! xxxx
It can be so stressful, can’t it? I’m glad other people go through this too! xx
You can come to my house anytime. I will never notice the mess, wine stains or pen on the wall haha. And who are these friends with nice wine and big bowls of sweets – forget the kids I am coming with you next time x
Not just nice wine, but nice wine on the floor Alison! Eek! 🙂 xx
Brilliant tips chick, I need to send this to my folks for when the kids go round! My Mum is great but my Dad can be pretty useless when it comes to health and safety! x
It must be a man thing. My husband loves leaving nails and scissors at toddler-level. Eek! x
Pick up pens is essential. I’m not saying she did but my girl MAY have drew over someones wall. TOTALLY DID!!! x
OMG, you must have been so stressed. haha Why do so many people leave pens lying around? xx
This is so true! I’m so conscious of going to others houses. It’s not so bad now, but just a year ago, I would avoid it! Great post x
Thanks hon. I’m glad you’ve moved on to the ‘safe visitor’ zone. We will hopefully be out of the stress zone in the next six months. 🙂
Haha! So true! Most of my friends don’t have friends yet so I always end up baby proofing their places in the first few second I enter their place. Let’s hope your advice reaches our childless friends.
Correction: Most of my friends do have friends already just no babies 😀
This is hilarious and so true! I can remember going around to visit a pregnant friend and as we left I knew she was thinking ‘oh god- what am I in for!’ haha!
Ha ha this is so true. I spend the whole time running round like a loon!!! xx
Haha! Funny post!
My 9 year old (sob) just disappears to her room to listen to Taylor Swift with her mates now …!
This is fab hon! My house constantly rocks the just been burgled look, and gets in even more of a state when we have friends over with their little ones. Hubby often marvels at the mess after a hard day at work…