How Home Renos Can Support Children With Behavioral Needs

Whether your child is young and curious or you are the loving parent of a child with special needs, running a household with children facing behavioral issues can add stress to an already busy lifestyle. Any parent can feel overwhelmed at times, but especially when accidents become disasters, a day in school becomes a phone call home all too often, or emotional regulation just isn't available to your child the same as others.

Children with behavioral challenges need a supportive environment different from those of their peers, but many places just can't or don't cater to those needs. Instead, even libraries have become cookie-cutter. That leaves only one place for a child who is different to feel safe: home.

The good news is that you have the power to give them the home environment both they and you need for peace of mind. Some benefits to taking on a renovation project to support behavioral needs include:

●                  Prevent behavioral triggers

●                  Allow developmentally appropriate exploration

●                  Limit tantrums and meltdowns

●                  Support routines and transitions

●                  Advocate for less screen time

●                  Siblings and friends may get along better

●                  Increase quality, low-stress time as a family

●                  Promote household safety

The Four Cs for Behavioral Redecorating Goals

If you're remodeling your home for the sole or main purpose of modifying a child's behavior, there are certain goals you need to keep in mind as you make renovation decisions. It can be simple to remember them as all starting with 'C'.

Creating Stimulation

Many children misbehave because they aren't getting enough stimulation. Those who are sensory-seeking are even more in need of an environment where all senses can be stimulated as they wish. Whether you pick a corner in the living room, create an entire playroom, or put a sensory station in your child's room, it's important to pay attention to what positive sensory interaction you can give them already built into their home environment.

You can get as creative as you want with these ideas, and the trick is to make sure you have at least one item that's easy to reach and clean while also stimulating each of the child's senses. For younger children, a sensory wall or a sand table are two of the most common choices.

Creating Organization

What is one of the most common times when your child misbehaves? Many parents would say when it's time to clean their room. Children with behavioral issues especially need an environment that is organized so well, there is no confusion about how to keep toys and books put away.

There is no such thing as too much storage. Shelves, cubbies, nets, and toy totes are just some ways to give your child clear spaces to put their belongings away. You can also take it a step further by purchasing heavy-duty labels to put on each container and shelf to let the child know where things go such as stuffed animals versus figurines.

Creating Connection

All children need time with their parents and siblings, both one-on-one and altogether. When someone in the home has extra needs and stress is high, this can be particularly hard. However, there are simple ways to foster these connections throughout the day, even if they seem short. Some examples include:

●                  A small coloring station near where you cook or clean

●                  A reading corner in the living room

●                  A nap mat in your bedroom

Something else to consider is older siblings and younger siblings can have a hard time connecting. Sometimes this is because they are fighting for both shared and separate spaces. Even if they share a room, gates, half walls, and shelving can allow for privacy for special items and quiet time so they don't resent each other. You may find this prevents many fights.

Creating Safety

Many behavioral complaints are linked to safety. While it can seem like overkill, safety renovations are an essential part of remodeling your home based on behavioral issues. Be sure that favorite toys can be reached without climbing, rooms can be explored without unsafe chemicals and products being accessible, and sharp objects are removed from the sight and reach of young children.

What to Know During a Renovation with a Behavioral Needs Child

Taking on a home improvement project is chaotic and time-consuming for anyone but even more so with those who have children. Uprooting the typical home layout can lead to all new behavioral battles. It's important to prepare for and prevent as many of these problems as you can.

The Need for Knowledge

Sometimes, children just need to feel in the loop. Always tell them what's going on in the home and why. Consider showing them on a calendar how long it will be until a project is complete.

Keep Your Routines

Routines are the foundation of keeping an orderly, well-behaved, low-stress home environment for children. During big changes in the home, try to keep the routine changes to a minimum so the children still feel like there's something familiar to cling to.

Give Them a Task

No matter how small, find something the child can help you with involving the renovations. This will make them feel like they are as invested as you and possibly be happy about the changes rather than upset.

Take Care of Yourself

Being a parent and a homeowner is a tiring job, and when you're tired, your fuse is short. Anxiety and anger can be felt by those around you, and children with behavioral needs are often even more sensitive to this. Even if it seems a low priority, be sure to take moments to care for yourself so you can be there for them.

It can be a daunting task to rearrange your life for the betterment of your child with behavioral issues. You're not alone, though, as community partners and programs such as Youth Villages can help you get on track and stay that way.