Got kids? Then you’ve got a cramped kitchen with small humans climbing on your kitchen cabinets, multiple left-open doors and drawers, and of course, spills galore. But what if there was a better way? Here are a few tips to get the most of your kitchen without having to kick out your family.

Turn Open Space Into Hangout Space

If you have a lot of open space in your kitchen near a window or in an unused corner, consider a nook. Call it a breakfast nook, a hangout nook, or a “Mom’s Sanity Nook,” it’s purpose remains the same: keep kids corralled but close so you can chat and make memories without all the fuss.

Keep It Organized

Moms laugh in the face of organization, knowing that with kids around it takes 42 armed guards carrying superglue and nail guns to keep anything organized. Organizing your kitchen can be as simple as a getting the setup for your kitchen cabinets or placing kid-friendly items in low cupboards and drawers. Check out our Top 10 Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen and Kitchen Solutions to Make Everyday Tasks Easier for ideas on getting organized with the cabinets you have or with new custom cabinetry.

Reduce Risk By Changing Up Your Cabinet Routine

What you keep in which kitchen cabinets and drawers has a lot to do with the kid-friendliness of your kitchen. Sharp objects like knives should be kept well out of reach of small hands and cabinet locks can do wonders for keeping kids out of chemicals and away from heavy or dangerous small appliances.

Get New Cabinet and Drawer Handles

If your kiddos are using your kitchen drawers or handles as a stair case, it’s time to change your cabinet pulls. Change to bin pulls or something else that, while easy to grab onto, won’t encourage climbing.

Redesign Your Space

While a full kitchen renovation may not be the answer to making your space more kid-friendly, cabinet refacing or new custom kitchen cabinets could help to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for the whole family. New cabinets that aren’t easy for kids to open or swing on, or that at least can take the brunt of the activity could be a life-saver.

The kitchen is the place where your family comes together, for food, laughter, fun and to make memories. Those memories can all be good; just put a little elbow grease into making your space more friendly for your littles and both your kids and your kitchen cabinets will thank you for it.