Living with teenagers can be challenging at times – particularly if space in the family home is an issue. Purchasing a new home, building or renovating your current home, to suit your growing family needs, would be the ultimate solution to promote family harmony, but this is not always possible.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas and adjustments that can be made to make your current home a more peaceful and happy environment for all the family, without breaking the budget.
Their bedroom, their sanctuary.
No longer just a room to lay their weary heads, a teens bedroom becomes their retreat, and a place to hang out with their mates in private.
We may call it their “retreat”, but the typical teenager (particularly the male) does not appear to require order and cleanliness for it to be considered that. In fact, they really don’t seem to see, or smell, what lies around them.
Plenty of well organised storage space is an absolute must and will hopefully eliminate the problem of the “floordrobe” – anything and everything ending up on the floor.
Having a huge basket for all their dirties, and another for all their rubbish, may also help to keep some semblance of order.
Tracy Black from Stone Manly, mum of three teenage boys, “Bedrooms become their inner sanctum, a place to “vibe” with friends. Whilst seating and strip lighting is high on their list of priorities, we parents want maximum ventilation and well-planned wardrobes!”
A big de-clutter, taking away all the items they no longer need or use, will make their space more suitable to their current needs. As Diane Morgan from Stone Turramurra, mum to Stanley age 15, has observed, “Stan has recently wanted to clear out all of his old things and have a more sleek room that he feels is spacious and uncluttered. I think it helps him to keep it tidier and keep his mind uncluttered – in theory, anyway!”
Play time
As much as we may hate it, the teens “play time” is more often than not, screen time, social media, online gaming with their friends, or watching movies that really aren’t to our taste.
This is where the second family room, or converted spare bedroom, comes into its own- one for you and one for them.
For them, it’s giving them the opportunity to get out of their room and into the family home, whilst still enabling them to have privacy and a space to hang out with their mates. Furnishing and finishes should be casual and functional with oversized floor cushions and bean bags for easy lounging. Block-out blinds or curtains for privacy will also give teens more control over their environment, and allow this room to become a space they really feel comfortable in, at any time of the day.
For you, a second family room allows you a more quiet and serene space to retreat to as well- which is so very needed!
Taking it outside
The cubby house may not be getting much of a look in these days, but the pool will be forever in favour.
For outdoor entertainment, never underestimate the power of a pool, which also gives an alternate location for the teens to hang. Beware though, pool play is usually accompanied by loud music. But at least they’re at home, right?
The kitchen, more than the heart of the home
Teenagers. They sleep, they eat, they eat, they sleep, they eat ALOT!
The kitchen will become their second favourite part of the home – after their bedroom.
Having a very well stocked pantry and refrigerator will guarantee you will see your teen emerge from their cocoons on a regular basis.
Diane Morgan has worked out a very neat trick – she bakes.
“I particularly enjoy it when Stan comes foraging for food if I’ve been baking. I sense that the freshly baked aromas are seeping upstairs and he gets enticed to come and see what’s on offer.” Excellent idea!
Food is a way of connecting and enjoying time with your teen and a great idea from Tracy Black may further cement this- prepping dinner together, “Meal preparations become a family affair where we all come together for the day, then enjoy a screen free meal.”
Large eat-in kitchens continue to be a staple communal space for most families. Plenty of comfortable stools around the bench or a kitchen table close by, will create a central hub for family admin and a natural place that everyone gravitates to.
Add in a quiet study spot
In the early teen years, the kitchen bench top or dining table work well for their study space. This space also allows for some supervision and guidance on their work. As they get older and have more in-depth assessments and more homework requirements, creating a more secluded quite study space is necessary. Many opt for a desk in their bedroom, but if possible it is a good idea to keep the study separate so that this zone can remain a retreat, and away from any stress inducing work.
Transport
If you are in the process of buying a new home, keep in mind the need for easy access to transport for your teen. Their want for independence, and being too cool to have mum and dad drop them places, requires them to be able to jump on a bus or a train with minimal, if any, effort from yourself.
If you are in the market for a home that will better accomodate your growing family, contact our amazing team at Stone to assist you, or head to our website Stone Real Estate to see all the homes currently on the market.
A fabulous family home on the market, with plenty of room for every teenager to hang and play @ 49 Sickles Dr, Grasmere