7 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Family-Friendly

What exactly does it mean to make a more family-friendly kitchen for your home? Does it mean creating enough space for the whole family to enjoy a meal? Or: does it mean making the environment safer and more accessible to your little ones so that they can help you out with the preparation of certain meals or safely play while you cook? The previous question seems a bit more like the truth. But, how exactly does one do it? Well, if you are planning a kitchen remodel, have a look at our seven ways to make your kitchen more family-friendly without much hassle. Stick around for some pretty helpful info!

Why's it important to create a family-friendly kitchen?

In other words: why should you involve children in something you'd call kitchen-related activities? Well, encouraging your little ones to cook and help prepare the meals is a fantastic way to introduce them to the ever-present excitement associated with food preparation. Also, they'll learn to value teamwork from the youngest age. Additionally, if they're picky eaters, this might help them relax and feel more open towards meals they'd rather skip otherwise. 

All in all: these activities bring the whole family together in one of the most practical ways. Not to mention the fact you'll equip your kids with some pretty helpful knowledge they'll use later on to take care of themselves and, sometimes, impress their buddies/partners/future spouses when they come over for dinner.

But, there’s still a long way to go. You need to plan it, think it over, and be vigilant – kitchen remodels are no easy feat.

There isn’t a better way to equip your little ones with some practical knowledge than to include them in the preparation of certain family-style meals.

#1 A change fit for (almost) all ages

Installing a kitchen island that can accommodate most age groups is probably the best way to start making a family-friendly kitchen. As your kids grow up (babies probably won't enjoy the benefits of kitchen island seating), they'll want spaces for their plates and cups (or snacks, for that matter). 

A kitchen counter that's easy to clean works wonders when you've got little kids, as spills are pretty standard. For instance, a kitchen island with a laminate or quartz surface is an option you'll want to consider since it works better and absorbs shock more than granite.

#2 Create some open space

The next item on our to-do list is creating an open floor area between the kitchen and the dining area. The thing is: you'll want to merge the two rooms and create an illusion that there is more space than there actually is. For instance, if you've got a tiny kitchen, your family members can hang out in the dining room area and enjoy being close to what's going on in the kitchen (to semi-quote Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise). Anyway, those with larger kitchen space might consider adding two kitchen islands, as the second one can function more like a breakfast bar with your typical kitchen island chairs. 

Keep in mind, though, that changing the layout of your kitchen is a huge undertaking – you’ll be bashing down the walls, so don’t be surprised if a thick layer of dust covers… well, everything, your expensive kitchen-related appliances included. That’s why it’s best to plan ahead: consider renting some storage space to keep them safe somewhere else during the remodel. 

While a kitchen island with built-in cupboards is great for storing appliances, renting out storage space might sometimes be your best bet.

#3 A chalkboard to the rescue

A blackboard in the kitchen? You might say to yourself: are they nuts? The thing is: kids of any age will enjoy a blackboard in the kitchen. It will enable you to make notes, display a daily menu, or create so-called impermanent art pieces. It will make the whole experience more fun, trust us on that one.

#4 Fridge organization

Obtaining a fridge with separate drawers is one of the best family-friendly decisions you can make. While that might sound like a bit too much, opting for this kind of fridge is incredibly convenient. For instance, you can organize a separate refrigerator drawer that kids can use. 

#5 Create a role-playing area for kids

Another way you can make your kitchen more family-friendly is by designating an area where your little ones can role-play while you cook. We're talking about kids that are too young actually to help you out with some cooking. Some modern families designate this space even before they've moved and unpacked. At least that's what the folks over at preferred-movers.com told us. Since they're knee-deep in family-style relocations, there's no reason not to trust the info coming from that direction. 

Designate free space in your kitchen area where your little ones can do some role-play cooking away from any real fire.

#6 Keep knives and sharp tools out of children's reach

Needless to say, this might be the most important way to make your kitchen more kid-friendly since sharp kitchen tools are one of the serious health hazards. It's a definite no-brainer. Anyway, sharp kitchen tools and appliances have to be as far as possible from the hands of your little ones. So, what's there to do about it? For example, you can install a magnetic wall rack behind the counter instead of an easy-access knife block. Oher sharp accessories (like a cheese grater, for instance) you can keep in a drawer which you will then secure with a child lock. 

#7 How about touch-free faucets? 

Last but not least, we have another better-safe-then-sorry kind of solution to make your kitchen more family-friendly. Of course, kids have a bit of a rough time turning faucets on and off and may, without knowing, kick on water hot enough to burn their little hands. To stop this kind of scenario from ever happening, you can install touch-free faucets that can be pre-set to a safe "start temperature," which can be changed once the tap is on and running. That way, you'll guarantee your little ones are completely safe from harm inside your family-friendly kitchen. 

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry