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8 Benefits of Living in a Small Space with Children

September 26, 2014 by Rosie 2 Comments

throughtheapartment2If you are living in a small space with a baby or toddler, or considering doing so, it can be all to easy to fall into a ‘grass is always greener’ approach. If only you lived further out of the city you could have more space, if only there was a backyard life would be easier. However, after nearly 2 years of living in a small apartment with Little M and The Hubster, I have discovered that there are some great benefits to living in a small space with a little one. Yes there are moments where you dream about having an extra room to hide alone in, but there are also pluses to living in a small space with children – and not only the fact that you can vacuum your whole home in 10 minutes flat!

1. Your child is always close to you – Little M can play independently, but easily supervised – I can cook in the kitchen and still peek through to the lounge to see what he is up to. I’m never far away when he needs to find me either. In the morning, it takes seconds to step from our bed to his room and at bedtime we can quickly retrieve a forgotten book or toothbrush from the next room. Depending on the size of your place, you may be able to skip the baby monitor altogether!

2. You can clean your home quickly – In some ways a small home can seem time consuming to clean, as you may have to move things out of the way more often to vacuum and dust. But ultimately it’s still much quicker to clean than a big house, as there is less floor space.

toysundertv

TV Stand Doubles as Toy Storage Space

3. You accumulate less clutter – When space is limited, you can’t fill it with things you don’t need or use. If you want to buy something new, then something else has to go to make way for it – there’s no ‘chuck it in the attic’ fall back. You only keep the toys that your child actively plays with – when Little M stopped playing with his baby building bricks, in favor of ‘big boy’ Duplo, we traded them in at the second hand store. When The Hubster lost interest in his Electric Guitar hobby and started repairing model cars – onto ebay we went! You have to think more carefully before any purchase – is it really something you can benefit from? No more shopping on a whim! Everything in the home becomes more tidy and organized – to maximise space.

4. Your child is creative at play – Your child doesn’t need a playroom to be creative. Dens and caves can be made in the smallest of spaces. And kids don’t need rooms full of toys – sometimes too many toys can mean they don’t appreciate them properly. Even in our small space, Little M has plenty of toys – and he still often prefers to play with the kitchen utensils, or reorganize the spice jars!

Toysinlivingroom

Living Room Transforms to Playroom

5. You all learn to share and respect space – Little M’s play area, is also our living room, so toys can’t be left lying around permanently. He has learned to help pack away his toys at the end of the day, transforming the room from playroom, back to living room. Our kitchen table is also The Hubster’s hobby work area, so after working on his model cars, he packs everything away again. If I want to stay up and read, I use the kindle, instead of having the light on. We all adapt and respect each other (at least try to anyway…!)

6. You spend more time exploring – I often say to The Hubster that I am not a Stay-at-Home-Mummy, since I can’t remember the last time I spent a whole day at home! Little M and I go for adventures every day – to the park, the museums, exploring the neighborhood. We are admittedly lucky to live in a climate where we can do this year round – but even on a rare rainy day we like to go and stamp in puddles. In a small space you spend less time at home and more time exploring what’s right outside your doorstep. You also get to meet lots of people on your outings – making it sociable for you and for your little one.

Stompinginthemud

Exploring the Outdoors

7. You don’t have to commute to work – Often, when people choose to live in a small space with children, it is in order to stay in a city and be close to a work place. The Hubster can look back on his old commuting days and chuckle. Now he has a leisurely breakfast with me and Little M, before sauntering off on his 15 minute walk to work. In the evenings, it is a rare day when he is not home in time to see Little M before bed. Sometimes it is tempting to wistfully think about the extra space we could have in the ‘burbs’, but both of us shudder when we think of the long gone dreaded commute, and all thoughts of moving are forgotten.

8. To your child, your home is a palace – I remember as a child, my shared room with my sister seemed enormous – we used to plan all sorts of adventures in there! Revisiting as an adult, the room was really very ordinary sized. But children can see the extraordinary in the ordinary. They can make palaces behind the sofa and an Indian tepee with a sheet. At home children only need a cosy space to sleep and a little space to play – plus plenty of imagination!

Yes there are days when I dream of having more space. Days when I just sigh and imagine putting my feet up in a garden, while Little M scampers around me. There are days when I worry that Little M is ‘missing out’ somehow, by living in such a small space. And yes, one day living in a one bedroom apartment will just not suffice any more – after all bigger children need more space than little children. But in the meantime, the best things in life can’t wait for the perfect situation, or the perfect house. So instead I remind myself of all the reasons I love living in our small space. And I remember that to Little M our little home is just perfect.

Are there any other benefits of small space living with kids that I’ve missed? Are you considering having a baby in a small space?

Go forth and comment below!

[plinker]

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Filed Under: Baby, Tips for Families, Toddler Tagged With: home, small space

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Comments

  1. Nick

    October 12, 2015 at 6:12 am

    Hey Rosie, it’s Nick from work. You have a blog!? Awesome.

    Love this post…makes me feel better about our little apartment and baby Jackson. Can’t wait to go on adventures with him in our neighborhood!

    Reply
  2. Rosie

    October 12, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    Nick! Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes, it’s a work in progress, but I love my blog!

    Many people think you need to have the perfect home or house to have a baby, but it’s nonsense! Living in a small space does have challenges – but I truly believe there are so many benefits. In SF lack of commute is a big one for us. And there are so many fun things to do just a walk or short bus ride away. You’ll have such fun exploring with Jackson – can’t wait to meet him! And remember to him your home is a palace! 🙂

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Rosie!

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Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
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You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
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Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
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This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
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Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
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Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
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Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
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I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
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One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
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If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
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Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
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I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
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I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
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But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
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So what action do I commit to do?
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•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
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•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
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•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
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If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
#blackouttuesday #iamlistening #blackouttuesday #iamlistening
Do your children ever say that they are 'bored'? 😑 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Children are the masters of their own creativity. 🖼 Given the time and space, children will think of ideas that will never fail to surprise you!
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But sometimes we all have moments when we're at a loose end - children included. A little inspiration can go a long way. 💡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try putting some ideas for play and projects into a jar or box, ready for when inspiration is needed. 📦 You could include some of your ideas and some of your children's ideas. 👶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To start you off I have a FREE PRINTABLE with 40 simple ideas to inspire your children’s creativity! Grab your printable from my bio - print and cut! You're ready for when boredom strikes! 🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do your children ever get bored? How do you try to inspire them?
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