7 Things You Need to Get in Order to Have a Peaceful Home

Inside: 7 Things You Need to Get in Order to Have a Peaceful Home

Be Honest: Is your home more peaceful now than when the school year began?

Photo by Jen Chillingsworth

What words describe your home today?

Peaceful, chaotic, loving, frantic, happy, miserable, orderly, disorderly, bumpy, smooth…

Lately, mine has been chaotic, how about yours? I find that the more I have pre-thought the day, then better it runs. The days that I invite the boys to the table and begin fumbling around for what “schoolwork” I want them to begin are chaotic and counter-productive. What works best for me in regard to nurturing a peaceful home?

1. Quiet time.

I really need to have my heart right before I try to coach, train, teach, encourage, rebuke, or correct anyone else. It doesn’t seem to matter whether I get this quiet time in the morning or in the evening. As long as I have spent time with my Lord, read His word, Prayed, Worshipped, or sat silently before Him… I’m good. And when mommy’s good, it makes life a whole lot betta!

2. A Purpose for everyone.

Everyone in the home needs to have a purpose each and every day. They need to know they have done their best and added value to their lives when they fall asleep at night. The younger kids need time to play and we all need to conquer something: learning, cleaning, growing, or exercising.

3. A Learning Plan.

Even a loose learning plan is better than no learning plan. The kids do not necessarily need a stack of worksheets to complete, but they do need some sort of learning direction.

4. Focus.

I am the queen of distractibility. It is becoming increasingly difficult for me to focus, I mean really focus on one thing at a time. I am purposing to give whatever I am doing, or whoever I am talking about, my full undivided attention. UGH. I fail miserably. But I begin again each day (or minute). I owe it to my God, my husband, and my children to give them my best. Notice the order?

5. Marriage.

My husband works really hard every day and trusts me to plan and execute the “education” of our children. I find it easy to become absorbed in this effort and to neglect him altogether. It’s exhausting to be “on call” to teach, train, and mold our boys, right? Yup. I talk myself into that truth all the time. Truth is, without my wonderful husband we are not a family. Nothing works without him. He is my best friend, my love, and my partner for life. Yet, all too often he gets my leftovers. With 5 boys and a dog, there is nothing left over. That means unless I purpose to focus on him and make time for his needs and wants, they never get met and he starves in our home. One of my biggest priorities is to keep our marriage in balance. Without God, it’s not possible. With God, I struggle because I get in the way. But I still focus and try.

6. Teamwork.

There are too many of us for all the household, cooking, cleaning, and teaching to all fall on my shoulders. I am Not.  All.  That. I need help. Shoot, the boys need to feel like they are part of a team. In our home, that means pulling your weight. We do chores. We have rules. We have them laminated and posted on the fridge for weekly review. We all feel better when the house is clean and we know what is expected of us, don’t you too?

7. Peace.

Want the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding? I DO! I read and apply Philippians 4:6-7 backward… Here’s the verse:

Here it is my way: Do I want Jesus to guard my heart and mind? Do I want God’s peace? Then present everything I would request to God, being thankful. Be prayerful in every situation and turn every anxious thought over to Him…

Say “YES” to Your Hubby {Printable}

Print this free homeschool mom reminder.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it!

Here is a sneak preview…

Download Your Free Printable

1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas!
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
3. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.