Going From A HOUSE to A HOME -- Part 3

Focusing on The Family

In Part 3 of our little "mini-series" on making a HOUSE a HOME, I'd like to share about focusing on your family! This will make your house feel more like HOME for those that you love!!

Ask each member of your family What Makes Them Feel At Home.

You may be surprised at what the answers are! It may be that your kids especially like your hugs and a snack after school to feel at HOME. Or they may like having a kids-only space to play! Your hubby may appreciate "his chair" after a long work day, or enjoy seeing a tidy house. Everyone may agree that they like a cozy, comfortable, cheery feel to feel at HOME. Don't forget to ask yourself what makes you especially feel at home as well! :)

Think about and create "Together Spaces" and "Individual Spaces" in your home.

"Together Spaces" are places in your home where the whole family can interact together. For example, the kitchen table, family room, and backyard are some "Together Spaces". Create an atmosphere in these spaces that encourages warmth, conversation, play, relaxation, and interaction.

At the kitchen table encourage the family to all sit together for meals (at least dinner when schedules allow!), and focus on positive conversation. Set a simple but pretty table, and cook healthy foods!

In the family room make sure there is seating for everyone in your family. Have a basket or shelf to hold games, and have "game nights" together! Read stories to the kids on the couch, or hold a family devotional time. Have "Family Movie Nights" together with piles of pillows and blankets, popcorn and snuggles! Make the family room a comfortable place where you can put your feet up and relax!

In the backyard, have a table for warm-weather eating, and a cozy sitting spot for the adults to relax in while watching kids play. Keep outside play items in a specific spot of your garage or shed, so that kids can get to them easily. Encourage a family game of softball or touch football or frisbee! Roast marshmallows and take pictures of everyone's messy faces! Keep this area of your home tidy and furniture wiped down as necessary so that it can be enjoyed at a moment's notice.

"Individual Spaces" are the places in your home that each member can have some needed "alone time". This is important, too! Cultivate places that encourage rest, quiet, creativity, relaxation, and individual personality.

{a little corner of my girls' room!}

Make your bedrooms (especially the master bedroom) a little retreat. Keep the beds made (teach children to make their own beds before they come down for breakfast), and keep TV's, toys, computers, etc from cluttering up these places for rest and rejuvination! Let individual personalities have a say in how their spaces are decorated, so they will feel more at HOME there.

If you have a desk or office space, make it a place you enjoy being by having a few pretty items about, photos of those you love, and fun desk storage/accessories! Kids really like having a space to call their own, especially for play time. Even a little chair and bookcase in their room with cherished toys and books will give them a quiet place to play and make them feel special!

Make a favorite chair your "reading spot" by placing a basket on the floor next to the chair with favorite magazines and books, reading glasses, a devotional, and a pen and journal for quiet thoughts. Have tea or morning coffee there, and enjoy some moments to yourself at the beginning of the day! Or middle! Or end! :)

Create a Loving Environment in Your Home!

LOVE is the most important ingredient in making a HOME!!! Don't just assume your family knows that you love them, you must tell them so every day! Kind words and warm hugs are the best!!! :) Make it a rule in your home to encourage positive words and tone of voice. To be uplifting. Encourage your family to spend time together often to build strong bonds! Be supportive of the dreams that your family has, for HOME is where they are first dreamt!

And when your family comes home, whether from work, school, or just playing across the street, be sure to say:

WELCOME!! I sure missed you! I am so glad that you are HOME!!!

ps--come back and visit again tomorrow for a FUN SPRING GARDEN PROJECT!