Creating mom-friendly homes
If there’s one person in the world whom we literally owe our lives to, it’s our mothers.
Mothers are the backbone of our society. They raise children, take care of the household, and juggle multiple responsibilities.
Being a mother, however, is not an easy task. More often than not, they need all the help they can get. Many of us assist with the chores, but what if we can transform our homes to be more accommodating to our mom’s needs? This would make her daily tasks easier on a more permanent basis.
If you’re ready to improve your home for the sake of your mom, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a simple guide on how to make your home better for different types of mothers.
For the traditional mom
Traditionally, mothers were expected to manage the household and take care of the kids while fathers brought home the bacon.
While attitudes and expectations have already evolved in modern times, many Filipino homes today still rely on mothers as housewives. If your home is such a place, your mother would surely benefit if you can make the place better suited to her daily needs.
For one, creating an open-type kitchen would allow her to participate in conversations while she is cooking or preparing food. This would also allow her to monitor young kids better.
Also, multipurpose spaces can help her finish multiple tasks at a given time. For example, a laundry area built within the kitchen would allow her to run the washing machine while cooking dinner.
To give her a break from household tasks, give her a space where she can cultivate her interests and enjoy her passions. You could provide a garden, a gym space or simply an open area where she can do Zumba or craft activities.
For the working mom
Working moms are the heroes of society. It’s astounding how they can earn a living while juggling domestic responsibilities. If your mom fits this category, a few changes at home can make the biggest differences.
Put a desk where your mom usually spends her time. A working table in the kitchen, for example, would allow her to finish business matters while taking care of the meals. If your mom is the type who prepares meals on a weekly basis, a large refrigerator or freezer would come in handy.
It would also benefit your mom if you distribute the storage spaces at home to put things closer to the areas where they would be needed. A butler storage is ideal for the kitchen, a linen cabinet is great for the bathroom, and a supplies cabinet is best placed in a room centrally located in the home.
Install a CCTV and an intercom system at home if your budget allows it, so she can monitor things and talk to you without having to leave her work if needed.
For the single mom
Single moms are especially awe-inspiring. They do the work of two people, juggling work and household responsibilities all on their own.
Their needs are similar to the working mom, with the kitchen pretty much functioning as their command center. It would be helpful to put a CCTV and an intercom system here too, so they can monitor the home while finishing other tasks.
Single moms, in particular, can benefit from systematic organizations at home. If you’re a follower of Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method, this system works particularly well to help the overwhelmed mom.
Use bins throughout the house to quickly sort small items. Make decluttering a regular activity and tidy by category, not location. Most importantly, make home management a family activity and not a one-person responsibility. Your mom would surely benefit if chores are designated to everyone in the home instead of everything being put in her lap.
For the senior or PWD mom
If your mom is in her golden era or is differently abled, incorporating senior-friendly accessories can help make her move around the home easier.
Grab rails in the bathroom are perhaps the first order of the day, but a fixed seat and tactile flooring would also do wonders in the same room. Keep obstacles at bay by removing clutter, adopting less furniture and installing anti-slip flooring. If your budget allows it, consider installing a lift or even a home elevator.
Make the whole house accessible in terms of design. This means that mom, regardless of her age or ability, should be able to go and use any room without difficulty. If this is not possible, design one or two rooms specifically meant to cater to her needs.
Technology, too, can do wonders for senior or PWD moms. Use smart-friendly devices to help them navigate and operate appliances and controls with ease. Eliminate shadow areas and install glare-free lights.
In fact, put up solar lights in the exterior area of your home. These would not only save on your electricity bills, but it would also make it easier for your mom to secure the house at night and call for help from outside when needed.
A home fit for a queen
This coming Mother’s Day, shower your mom with all the love, attention and gratitude she deserves. Consider improving your home to benefit her on a daily basis. Show your care and make your house fit for the Queen of your life.
Photo Sources: Mikhail Nilov, Mark McCammon, Vlada Karpovich and Curtis Adams via pexels.com
