Living in a tiny house has become quite popular these days. A quick Google search, and you’ll find all kinds of articles about couples or single folks living the tiny life. What you don’t see, are stories about how families live in tiny houses. Maybe there aren’t as many of them, or maybe they’re all too busy to tell us about it. Whatever the case, we’re all interested in learning more about how families with kids make it work and keep ‘em happy in a tiny house. Let’s take a look at some ways they do just that.
Downsize…within reason.
Tiny houses by nature are…well, tiny. At no more than 500 square feet, they focus on simple, purposeful living without sacrificing on quality. So how does this work with families with kids? By nature, kids are collectors. They can find the strangest pieces of material and turn it into a toy. Over the years, kids can accumulate so much “stuff” that it can make your head spin. To avoid this particular scenario, you’ll need to set rules for how much your kids can keep–within reason. For example, 5-10 toys is a reasonable amount to keep in a tiny home. A small storage unit or a box at a relative’s house is a good compromise, as toys can be swapped out during visits. Keeping the amount of things that your kids carry with them to a minimum will not only make it easier to clean up, but also leave more space for quality time and adventures!
Kid-friendly designs.
Everyone needs space to grow–even kids. While a tiny home creates the kind of intimacy that many families strive for, they also create a need for personal space. When I was a kid, all I wanted was a treehouse so that I could live forever in my backyard away from my family (but not too far, of course). A great way to work this idea into a tiny house is to build a nook, loft, or shelf–someplace where kids can make it their own. A little nook under the stairs with fluffy pillows and a reading light sounds like the perfect little hideaway. A shelf that’s dedicated to just kid stuff, gives them a sense of ownership and pride over their space. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive–just a little kid-friendly addition that says, “hey, this is yours.”
Living in a tiny house with your kids will create memories you’ll remember for the rest of your life. It’s a time where you teach them how to appreciate the little things; to take pride in their home, and that quantity isn’t better than quality. Every home has its challenges, and yours will too. A tiny house encourages your family to take on these challenges, and not run away. A tiny house provides a structure for your kids to thrive, and a unique place to call home.
Molli is a U.S. citizen currently living in Cape Town, South Africa. Aside from writing about tiny houses, Molli loves to be at the beach and eat food (often at the same time). As an avid surfer and beach-goer, she does her best to promote a sustainable way of living. www.tinysociety.co
