erennich's Profile

I agree with NellyMom and Taishan1. Our son was 20 months when our Number Two was born. Our toddler knew about babies and was kinda into them, but much preparation wouldn't have made a difference since sometimes the idea of family growth is hard to grasp. He did great with the transition though (we are four months into being a family of four). We made a point to spend extra special time with just him every day. We talk about being gentle with the baby (which is still the hardest lesson for him atm). And I would say that he's still grasping the major change. So know that your daughter will take a while to process, but overall I'm sure she'll do great.

Living without a dishwasher seems so counter-cultural these days, but it can easily be done. We're a family of four and haven't had a dishwasher for over two years. Do I miss it? Absolutely. But we've learned how to balance handwashing everything well. Here are my tips for coping without a dishwasher: http://www.smallishblog.com/2012/09/10/tips-for-living-without-a-dishwasher/

Oh, and here's an easy craft that makes a fabulous small space toy: http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-fabric-roads.html?m=1.

Great points, HYZEN. Kids DO generate a lot of stuff, no matter how simple you try to live. We've got two kiddos in the same room (both below the age of 2), and if another one comes alone, we'll have to figure out a way to squeeze them in there as well!

GREAT space-saving option. Painful price! My husband would say he could make these. I wonder if they're easy to replicate?

@pinkberry, we do the same! We get so much done when we let our toddler "help." Great article. I would add that plants/ fresh flowers go a long way to brighten a room and spirits!

We don't use a drying rack in our tiny (no dishwasher) apt. The clean dishes just get angled and stacked, like a huge jenga game. We've never had a problem with them falling, so I wonder if we need a rack. Thoughts?

I love the idea of simple furniture that kids can help put together. My toddler loves to "help" any project that my husband works on!

Love the earthy,chill color scheme!

Or a cheaper alternative to the ones listed in the article-- I let my 13 month old bring in a different kitchen utensil every night. You'd be amazed at how much fun a whisk or a potato masher can be in the water!