- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- home style today articles
- home style today q&a
- traveling today articles
- traveling today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Kitchen Renovation Survival
Temporary Kitchens and Easy Meal Solutions By Maria Olia
Have your school-age kids buy lunch at school during the renovation. Not preparing lunchboxes is worth the extra expense. This goes for Mom and Dad, too.
Tell your friends and acquaintances that you are renovating your kitchen. Chances are good you will find yourself on the receiving end of an invitation to dinner or the recipient of a basket of muffins.
Mentally gear-up. "Even though remodeling was stressful, we tried to keep a positive, upbeat attitude and make it an adventure for the kids," Barber says. "Our temporary kitchen was in our basement. We called it the "clubhouse." And on days when it seemed more like a cave, I would buy fresh flowers for the table."
Don't forget the workers. A happy crew is a productive crew. Although it may be hard enough to provide meals for your own family during a kitchen renovation, the wise homeowner buys a couple of dozen doughnuts and a thermos box of coffee for the morning crew.
And above all, be flexible. Contrary to what your general contractor says, you will be without electricity and water. Plumbing lines need to be cut; circuits need to be shut down. On those days, the pizza delivery man will be your best friend!