Have you ever heard children boo and hiss when "time to go home" is announced. While there are times you are really enjoying yourself someplace and you don't necessarily want to leave, do you revile the thought of going home? Do mountains of laundry or piles of dishes await you? Are you greeted by the forest of weeds your lawn has become? I'm afraid many times our children will begin feeling this way as well. If we are to do everything "heartily as unto the Lord" I believe our homekeeping definitely falls under this category. Our homes should be a place of comfort, comraderie, fun, and spiritual edification. Here is a listing of a few ideas I've employed to cultivate a love for our home in my children.
1. Cook and/or bake together. Not only will it produce lovely smells, occasional messes, and opportunities for developing home skills -- you may get to be around when one of your children discovers a passion. The time spent alone together will often afford times of great intimacy, discovery, and encouragement. In the end you may have made a real bond as well as something tasty for everyone to enjoy.
2. Take time for fun and games. As a "very important and busy" mother this one is probably the hardest for me but one that yeilds the easiest result. I cannot imagine ever suggesting we play a game together and being turned down. It just will not happen. We know many of the educational benefits of playing games but it is equally important to enjoy the actual time spent making memories together as well.
3. Don't park your imagination at the door. Well-written, engaging books have been such a blessing to our family. We have been enjoying a family program of reading aloud for a few years now and I know this is a favorite time of the day for each of us. Find a great book and take a trip together in the comfort of your own home! My two youngest especially enjoy the times when Mom and Dad's bed becomes the giant sailing vessel or the deserted island we have become castaways on. It is quite thrilling for them to hop from pillow island to pillow island on their frequent trips to the restroom. Once I realized I was not to dignified for fun after all, our times together really began to gain new meaning.
4. Welcome their friends into your home. When your child has invited a friend into your home do your best to make them know you truly are glad they came. Rather than being content that your child will be occupied and taking the night off to relax I suggest you have a special evening or dessert planned. Anything that makes both your child and their visitor feel special will go a long way towards forging the bond between home and happiness that you are longing to build.
Stay tuned for more ideas for making mealtimes special.
In constant pursuit...
The Homestylemom
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