secrets to a happy home

[jchima]

• Home should be your heaven on earth, but does it feel that way? Chances are good with kids running around, many days feel more like a circus than heaven, but that doesn't mean you can't make your home into the haven you crave. Implement these five ideas to cultivate a happier home today.
  

• 1. Start off each day with intention
  Set the tone for your entire day the moment you get out of bed. Think about the underlying goals you have for your family and find a way to incorporate them into your morning routine. If you want a calm, orderly house, set your morning up for success by packing lunches and picking out clothes the night before. If you want a peaceful atmosphere free of fighting, play calming music in the morning and keep your kids on task so they get out the door without bickering. Most importantly, fill your morning with rituals that reinforce your family's spirituality. If you're religious, don't let your children get out the door without praying as a family and having a quick scripture devotional.

• 2. Tame the chaos
  It's hard to feel content if you're drowning in clutter. Life with kids can get a little messy, so keeping the clutter to a minimum is essential. Don't go overboard on holidays or birthdays and frequently purge and donate unwanted toys and clothes. This not only teaches kids generosity, it also simplifies your weekly cleaning routine. You'll certainly feel happier in a home you're not constantly maintaining.

• 3. Eat dinner together
  The best part about being in a family is spending meaningful time together, but extracurriculars, lessons and social calendars quickly encroach on family living. Don't get so busy outside your home that you forego weekly family time. Aim to eat at least two dinners together each week, and make the time productive by discussing your kids' school, friends and activities. Kids who regularly eat dinner with their families do better in school, engage in less risky behavior and report being happier.
  Source: 5 secrets to a happy home - eReporter

 

[Moonglow]

It worked for myself.. better than the latch key era...

 

[DGS49]

Things were a lot better with kids in the house before mothers discovered that it is not possible to prevent a kid from doing what s/he wants to do.

My mother was not aware of this, and foolishly forced the five of us to clean our own rooms, pick up our toys after using them, and to do certain chores every day within the household. Thus, when people "dropped by," as they often did, there was no mad scramble to pick up and hide junk that was laying around, cluttering up the house.

What an idiot my mother was, eh?