# Tiny house for children - a insult to the tiny housers? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 14, 2018, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175 "2018-05-14T23:43:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2018, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/1 "2018-05-14T23:43:46Z")
I was thinking of making a fully functional tiny house as a child’s play house, yet still a fully functional tiny house (including electric, plumbing etc.). Something that he could spend the night or two in if he wanted to, much like a tent in the back yard. More than a child’s play house but something that he could make as he wanted and could manage the skills such as cooking, as he grows. Also as a aside a place where I could have visitors stay where they can have their own space once said child is grown and out, or simply outgrows it. It was expressed by one person that this is a insult to those who live in and support the tiny house um ‘movement’. Tiny houses, I was told, are all about sustainability, not taking more space and resources, and having a entire tiny house for a child is a slap in the face to the reason for tiny houses. Never considered this backlash, it came out of left field, though I do see their point, not sure it is anything actionable, but I can understand it. It was also mentioned it makes adults who chose to live in a tiny house appear ‘infantized’ if tiny houses becomes a child’s play house. ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2018, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/2 "2018-05-14T23:53:49Z")
What’s wrong with insulting, slapping the faces of, and infantilizing people who live in tiny houses? First of all, that’s a consequence of their choice, and you owe them nothing. Second of all, they don’t exist anywhere except on TV or vacation. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/3 "2018-05-14T23:56:43Z")
Small functional houses in backyards have been a thing since forever. We call 'em ‘granny flats’. I understand in other places they are known as ‘mother in laws’. If you want to build one, you get to do what you want with it after. Even if it involves a kid playing in it. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/4 "2018-05-15T00:20:57Z")
They are also studios, offices, guest houses, etc. I don’t think this is an insult at all. I’ve seen more than one show where parents help build tiny houses for their children, and more than one of those just move to the backyard. I think the only person you might a problem with is your friend who complained. It’s up to you whether you want to do anything about it or not. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/5 "2018-05-15T00:32:13Z")
Insulting tiny house people is a feature, not a bug. If your last name isn’t Baggins, get over yerself. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/6 "2018-05-15T00:44:11Z")
> [@Aspidistra](#): > > Small functional houses in backyards have been a thing since forever. We call 'em ‘granny flats’. I understand in other places they are known as ‘mother in laws’. > > If you want to build one, you get to do what you want with it after. Even if it involves a kid playing in it. Around here they are called ADUs - Accessory Dwelling Units. The city is picky about building permits and the like, so proceed carefully. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/7 "2018-05-15T00:48:33Z")
My husband calls his ‘Pops doghouse’. He even has a sign that says so. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/8 "2018-05-15T00:57:30Z")
Look at [these](https://barkpost.com/bptv-cribs-dog-edition/) and then don’t worry about your choice. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/9 "2018-05-15T01:03:33Z")
Little miniature houses used to be a thing for rich people to do for their kids – like the ultra playhouse. I say go for it. You’re always going to find someone who’s insulted by something. I wouldn’t worry about it. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/10 "2018-05-15T01:19:19Z")
Yeah if you’re building a real house it’s going to be regulated and taxed like a real house, that’s your main concern. Forget the rest. (I expect most regulations are geared to what you COULD do with it (rent it out etc), rather than what you ARE doing with it.) ---
**Author:** ![amaguri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/11 "2018-05-15T01:30:26Z")
I’ve been daydreaming about doing something similar. Not sure if I want a souped-up shed or an actual tiny house, but the concept is the same. Whoever told you it was an “insult” to the “movement” is ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/12 "2018-05-15T03:02:27Z")
My kids enjoy (and laugh at) the tiny house shows. Though some of the buyers talk about sustainability, others are trying to save money or trying to force themselves to downsize. It sounds like a cool project, go for it. My oldest daughter rents a 4,000 sq. ft house, so you see how much the programs have affected her. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/13 "2018-05-15T03:45:53Z")
Yes make sure of the city codes because it can mess with property taxes …it all depends on what your area considers a "livable"residence as opposed to a “playhouse” ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/14 "2018-05-15T03:58:59Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Little miniature houses used to be a thing for rich people to do for their kids – like the ultra playhouse. I say go for it. > > You’re always going to find someone who’s insulted by something. I wouldn’t worry about it. Same basic thought here. A friend did one minus the plumbing for his daughter made like a small log cabin. After she grew up it became a craft/hobby room for him. Have fun with it and screw what anyone else things. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/15 "2018-05-15T07:48:48Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > It was expressed by one person that this is a insult to those who live in and support the tiny house um ‘movement’. Tiny houses, I was told, are all about sustainability, not taking more space and resources, and having a entire tiny house for a child is a slap in the face to the reason for tiny houses. Never considered this backlash, it came out of left field, though I do see their point, not sure it is anything actionable, but I can understand it. It was also mentioned it makes adults who chose to live in a tiny house appear ‘infantized’ if tiny houses becomes a child’s play house. Wow. Hard to believe anyone could actually be serious and in earnest with such a statement. I certainly wouldn’t treat it as such, even if they were. I guess if you wanted to be charitable, you could cryptically answer “Aha, but a rising tide lifts all boats” ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/16 "2018-05-15T09:38:54Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > Yes make sure of the city codes because it can mess with property taxes …it all depends on what your area considers a "livable"residence as opposed to a “playhouse” Hard to argue “not livable” when it has plumbing and electricity. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/17 "2018-05-15T10:36:38Z")
I know a guy who has an _exact_ miniaturized duplicate of his house on the property behind their home. Although retired now, he was a histopathologist who worked from home. Each morning he would shower, shave, dress, then walk thirty yards to work. The little house had a room for processing tissue, a room for microscopy, and an office. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/18 "2018-05-15T12:05:41Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > I was thinking of making a fully functional tiny house as a child’s play house, yet still a fully functional tiny house (including electric, plumbing etc.). Something that he could spend the night or two in if he wanted to, much like a tent in the back yard. More than a child’s play house but something that he could make as he wanted and could manage the skills such as cooking, as he grows. Also as a aside a place where I could have visitors stay where they can have their own space once said child is grown and out, or simply outgrows it. You’ll likely run into zoning issues. One possible out, if you’re going Tiny House, is build it on a trailer and call it a camper. Most places will let you keep a camper in your backyard (here in KY, you can keep one in your driveway or front yard as well :rolleyes:) and people can occupy it provided it’s registered to the homeowners/landowners and meets certain criteria (basically, you have to be _able_ to move it - tires inflated, etc.). ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/19 "2018-05-15T12:38:10Z")
Just a general observation based on personal experience: some people will be insulted/offended/aghast at certain things because that’s the way they are. Doesn’t matter if no insult was intended or even recognized by the “offending” party. Recreational outrage is just so fulfilling for certain individuals. You can’t live your life catering to such idiocy. I can’t imagine getting all bent out of shape if you built a replica of my house in your yard for your kids. I might question your sanity… Maybe I’m off base here - maybe I should be more insulted by things people do that may or may not be a commentary on my life choices. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175/20 "2018-05-15T13:32:14Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > It was expressed by one person that this is a insult to those who live in and support the tiny house um ‘movement’. Tiny houses, I was told, are all about sustainability, not taking more space and resources, and having a entire tiny house for a child is a slap in the face to the reason for tiny houses. Tell them that living in cute little converted intermodal cargo containers is a slap in the face to hobos who have been living in them for years. Granted, I’ve only seen tiny house people on tiny house television shows, but it’s never so much about “sustainability” so much as “So we think this will bring us so close together and declutter our lives and teach us what’s important and oh my god, isn’t this so cute?”. Maybe there’s a tiny house community with delusions of self-importance about their place in the world. You want sustainability, go live in a yurt. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-house-for-children-a-insult-to-the-tiny-housers/814175.md?page=2)