vansin's Profile

These are all really fantastic tips. As our boys became more mobile, we added an additional consideration: create spaces to contain play. In our case, installing baby gates on both sides of the living room was a lifesaver during the transition between baby and toddler. I could work in the kitchen without having children underfoot and still easily keep an eye on them; they had a whole room, with plenty of open space, to play in while I worked. Another trick that helps us contain play - having a basket/box in each room to throw toys in - helps keep things tidy.

I'd say, always focus on giving each other space to do/have/display the things you love, while also making sure that neither of you has to put up with too many things you hate. Perhaps this seems simple to the point of being silly, but my boyfriend (now husband) and I have always found it works well for us. Examples:

chores - I hate washing dishes, he hates laundry; I do laundry, he does dishes,

food - I'm vegetarian, he loves meat; he cooks one or two meaty things on the weekend and uses these to supplement the vegetarian meals we make throughout the week,

space - he plays video games to relax, I'm not a big fan. No matter the size of the place we live in, we find place (inconspicuous corner or small room) for his computer. He decorates however he wants, but also does me the courtesy of wearing headphones while he plays.

I remember watcher in the woods. If you can believe it, they showed it at school as a 'halloween activity' - creepy, creepy, creepy!