One day you're watching them lay peacefully in the bassinet, the next you're on the floor doing your best to make sense of illustrated crib assembly instructions. Then before you know it, you're shopping for a big kid bed. They grow so quickly, don't they? And it doesn't stop there. Your big kid will soon become a teen seeking more space and independence.
An underutilized basement can be a great option for youth who need private space separate from siblings and other family. As you convert or prepare the space for move-in, you'll want to consider any practical issues or items that will help make the space more comfortable and livable for your child.
So while they're busy selecting posters and lava lamps, it's up to you to do the adulting which may mean researching everything from how to prevent basement flooding to the best space heater for large rooms. Ensuring that the basement room is warm, well-lit and free of hazards will provide a healthy environment for your child and you with some peace of mind.
Moving your teen to the basement can have many advantages including, teaching teens responsibility, but keep in mind, they are still children. You may want to take time to help them prepare for your move. Left completely to their own devices, they may waste water with long showers, forget to turn off lights and appliances off, and be oblivious to the offensive odour of dirty laundry, old take-out food containers or worse.
The Easy Stuff
Consider these solutions to common concerns, to create a basement living space that works for both of you.
Conserving Energy: by putting lights on a timer (it's easy to do) and choosing small appliances with a timer feature, you'll save energy and money! These features can also prevent fires and other accidents.
Preventing Odors: you can reduce odors by maintaining good air circulation, using any number of types of air fresheners and setting an expectation for cleanliness (e.g. regular garbage removal)
The Tough Stuff
Remember you're a parent, not a landlord. You can and should set behavioral expectations for your teenager that include but are not limited to:
Chores and cleanliness: What daily, weekly or monthly cleaning tasks will be their responsibility versus yours? Will you do regular checks, surprise checks, or make completion a prerequisite for receiving an allowance?
Family and meal times: Is it important to you that the family eat dinner together? How will you control screen time?
Curfews: does your basement have a separate entrance? What are the rules around coming and going?
The Fun Stuff
Of course your son or daughter is more likely to appreciate and take ownership of a space that really feels like theirs. Allow them to participate in updating the basement design and to personalize their new space with input on any number of the following:
Paint colors and wall decor
Furniture and bedding
Lighting and accent pieces
By taking the right steps to prepare your space and your child, you can successfully create a basement living space that's perfect for your teenager to study, sleep and socialize in for years to come.
