Getting the house ready for a baby is a natural preoccupation for parents. Yet, this idea of “baby-proofing” is inherently misguided. Merriam Webster states the definition of “proof” (transitive verb) as: able to resist or repel. Is that really what we are trying to d0 with our house? Resist or repel it from the baby? I propose that we use the term baby-preparing or making it baby-friendly. After all, Merriam Webster defines “prepare” (transitive verb) as: to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity.
Parents do need to take the necessary precautions to make the home safer, such as: covering electrical outlets, securing wires, locking some cabinets, etc., but we also need to create an environment where the growing child can have a strong sense of belonging. Gates, locks, restrictive devices, and the endless “no!” don’t do that.
Parents can be so concerned about safety that they keep their young children confined in restrictive devices, which cause other problems when overused (underdeveloped muscular coordination, strength, and the processing and integration of the senses). By preparing the environment in a meticulous way to be safe and appropriate, your child can explore the environment and their emerging independence in a safe and productive way.
In full disclosure, I am not only a Montessori teacher, but also a Montessori enthusiast. Dr. Maria Montessori was a genius and her theories on children absolutely brilliant! One of the cornerstones to Montessori is the “prepared environment”. Regarding this she said:
The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.
It’s important to organize your home so that the child can be independent and successful, always keeping health and safety in mind. It is also important for the space to be beautiful and orderly from your child’s perspective. Is there child-size furniture in the rooms? Is there artwork displayed at the toddling or walking child’s eye level? Are books within reach?
Get down to your child’s height and walk (or crawl) through your house. How do things look? Is it an inviting environment? Considering your child’s current zing, are there ample opportunities for exploration and practice. Is the house cluttered with toys that go mostly unused?
I offer specific suggestions for how to make your house (room by room) more child friendly, beginning with the bedroom and later how to choose and organize toys for purposeful engagement. If you are interested in reading more about preparing your home environment and appropriate toy choices for your little ones, then go ahead and subscribe by RSS feed or e-mail to receive those updates as soon as they are published.
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I think “proofing” is the most critical part of Benign Neglect – a philosophy I fully subscribe to but never had a name for until I read your article
In the kitchen, cabinets with chemical/sharp/breakable items are locked, but the one with pots and pans is open. In the bathroom, one cabinet (cleaners, lotions) is locked. The cabinet with towels, curlers (which is a great peg game, really), etc is open.
She has free reign of the house because there is nothing that can get her into any trouble, and I don’t have to constantly manage her. She is free to explore. This makes our lives remarkably stree-free.