Are you tired of having a disorderly home, stressful mealtimes and under rested children? Here are 7 tips to help restore harmony to your household - or at the very least, a better semblance of order. You gotta start somewhere!
If you don't already have one, create a little oasis of serenity in the house. It can simply be a comfy chair in a corner or daybed in the den, but it should be clutter-free and peaceful - somewhere family members can go if they need a few moments of tranquility to themselves to read a book, daydream or close their eyes.
Make evenings a device-free time for the family. Silence electronic devices and don't check them during the dinner hour. Enjoy the company of each other instead of virtual friends.
Plan meals ahead of time. A weekly meal plan is ideal, but if you are like me, and that isn't going to happen, at least pull something out of the freezer the night before so you have a head start.
This is a recurring theme, but a calendar or planner is a must for an organized home! Everyone needs to know what activities, events and appointments are coming up or they'll feel unprepared and anxious at the last minute.
Keep your home clutter-free. If you have very young children, this can be especially challenging, but it's even more reason not to add more stuff into the mix! Think carefully before accepting hand-me-downs from friends and family. Will you really have time to read 40 issues of Better Homes and Gardens or are you just too polite to say no? Size ten clothing may not be worth storing for your four-year-old if you don't have the space - remember to exercise your right to say NO!
Ensure mealtimes are stress-free by having everyone pitch in. Little ones can set the table, while older children can get beverages and serve food. Remind everyone of table manners and good behaviour (even if you go blue in the face from repeating yourself) and do a round-table where everyone has a chance to talk about their day.
Sleep easy. At least one or more members of your household are probably not getting enough sleep at any given time, so be cognizant of this and refer to point number one - the oasis of serenity. Create sleep-friendly rooms that aren't overflowing with distractions. Room-darkener shades work great for kids who resist early bedtimes, while tidy storage bins keep toys and books out of sight for the night.
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