It’s a brutal world out there for our kids these days. Kids can be ruthless, teachers demanding, and even our kid’s on self talk can be getting them down. That is one reason I am so passionate about our kids feeling like they have a safe, happy, loving home to come back to everyday.

Does that mean we are perfect and never fight or have conflict? Absolutely not!! We do a lot of apologizing and asking forgiveness- myself most of all!

I am a mom of 7 kids and we have plenty problems around here! But I have found that if you can have simple routines through your day to make your kids feel special, they will talk to you more and fight with you less.

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Happy Home Series:

Start at the front door

Start strong from when they first walk in the front door after school, work or practice. Greet them like they are the best part of your day, because they are!! Be at the crossroads when your kids get home so you can give them a big cheer when they walk in. This may seem silly, but doing this consistently day in and day out tells them that you excited to have them home. You want them to know that just being in their presence makes you happy.

Winding down

Now that they’re in the door, give them a little pause. I know I am super overwhelmed and overstimulated when I walk in the door to a dozen demands from my family.

Giving your kids a breather doesn’t have to be a long amount of time, and it doesn’t mean they just shove themselves in front of the TV to veg out. What I’m saying is: let them have a moment to collect themselves. Have a second to sit and read a book, play outside, rest with some music on, go for a little walk or have a short nap. For 20-30 minutes, give them this transition time before your busy evening.

Now, what if you are on the go, and truly don’t have this time to give? Hopefully, that isn’t happening every day, but when it does, you can give a breather in a different way. Turning on their favorite music in the car, having a tasty snack or drink waiting for them. We’re looking for a happy transition and that will look different for every kid in many ways. Every kid is unique and you will have a variety of ways to cheer them on at different parts of their lives.

Coax those Teenagers Back home

Sometimes I have to dangle a little carrot in front of my teens to get them excited about being home. I love how independent this age is, but their attention is pulled in so many directions: friends, sports, school activities, work, etc.

One way I nonchalantly bring back home, is reminding them they have a soft spot to come home to (instead of demanding they hurry up and come home). I send them a picture of their dinner plate filled up. or of the food being prepped to let my kids know I’ve been thinking of them, and comfort is here when they return. It’s worked especially well for my sons.

Make a Cozy Environment

One of the biggest compliments I have gotten, is having someone say they feel comfortable in my home. I want everyone who comes into my home to feel like they can be themselves and are loved. There are ways we can do that without speaking a word. Think of what makes you let your guard down when you step into a space…

What are you seeing? A tidy space with a comfy place to rest? (and believe me, I believe the kids need to be a part of making it tidy! That’s a different post. ;) How to Get your Kids to Help Around the House )
What are you smelling? A yummy candle or a batch of cookies?
What are you feeling? A welcome hug and a soft place to sit down?
What are you hearing? Do you have music in the back ground?
What are you tasting? Is there a healthy snack? This doesn’t have to be fancy or even homemade.

consistency is Key

No matter what it is you choose to do, be consistent. Be a happy part of your kid’s day that they can count on. It’s a rough world out there. We can let them know we love them and are so glad they are a part of our family.