Talk to me about older kids/teen needs

[Peonies007]

What do we need in the house to future proof it?
We have 3 kids (10,8,6). Eldest is ASD and prefers privacy of his own room, so no rush yet.
We have:
4 bedrooms with two bathrooms upstairs.
Downstairs - loo, utility, kitchen/diner, living room, playroom-teen space, hallway storage. Office space optional.

Anything I forgot?
Thanks

Thanks. We have garden and have considered adding a fancy garden room to it.. for me to escape to 😀

Teens with garden rooms are super popular. Don’t think that they won’t take it over. But one is really useful for impromptu/planned sleepovers, general hanging out.

A big driveway.
Unless you live in a city with fantastic public transport in a decade or so you're going to need room for several cars.

My ds needed a desk and some quiet for revising his gcses.

And he's grown too long for a single bed. He's all legs and likes to stretch out when asleep.

Oh yes, we have space for 2 cars.

That sounds excellent!

We aren't looking for a new house. More rejig/small extension. It's already 4 bed/2 bath but kitchen is in wrong place and only fits small table.

Oh yes. My 10yo old is already 5'2. Husband is 6'4 so good point about longer bed.

Don't know how many of them are boys, but you might want an extra fridge freezer in the garage/ utility room for when the growth spurts kick in. There was a spell with the two DSs when I simply couldn't keep up with the volume of milk/ bread/ meat etc they were eating!

Three boys indeed. Always hungry 🙈. I will add to the list! Thanks

Mg advice would be consider journey to secondary anx make sure if is straightforward by public transport. Walking is even more ideal xx

2 cars? We are on 3 cars already and only have 1 teen of driving age so far. Then when he girlfriend is here its 4 cars. Do not underestimate the need for parking.

We home ed so no need for school. Already on bus route (one stop) to town and various places.

Plenty of public transport here. We are in SE so not many people have parking for 4 cars. Lots of on street parking though.

Are you flexible on your decision to home ed, and are local schools accessible if required?
I only ask because all three of my home ed-ing friends children wanted to switch to attending school when they reached 11/13. Caused some initial upset but turned out to be the right decision.

Think about the number and location of outlets in bedroom and shared spaces. The need to plug in or charge everything at once - air dryers, phones, laptops, speakers, headphones, etc. And then get solar panels! 😄

Not bothered about schools. Our nearest two secondaries are outstanding and from what I heard very good.

Ah! Thanks.
Might as well learn to burn bank notes 😂

Do you mean you, or the kids are not bothered by schools?

If it’s the kids, you may find that changes as they reach their teens and peer group interaction and influence becomes more important.

Oldest is autistic and EP specifically said no school environment for him due to severe school trauma.
The other two are most likely autistic, hated reception and most likely also won't go.