By Krystal Sieben 
Now more than ever, our kids need home to be a place of peace, rest, and reprieve from a busy world. Creating this calm space for my kids is fast becoming my greatest focus as a mom, and having this goal at the front of my mind makes me a better mom.
The other day, my husband had a bad day at work. It was long and stressful, and when he arrived home, he was just done. We all gave him some space. I took more time with the kids. As the two of us were settling in for a quiet night of Netflix, he said, “Even though today was hard, being home makes me feel so much better.” This comment meant so much to me because it takes a lot of mindfulness to create that feeling.
Kids today are busier and more overscheduled than ever. A lot is expected of them at school academically, but they’re also held to a much higher standard for social-emotional learning than we ever were. After hours and hours of being “on,” I want home to be their place of rest. Even if they are messy or crabby or quiet or emotional . . . all the things kids can be. I want them to know home is a safe place to recalibrate, and a retreat from all the expectations.
What does this look like?
It’s different for everyone. In our home, it’s many things. Do I make a home-cooked meal every night? No way. If it’s a busy time of year, like the holidays, I say no to a lot of things—and I don’t care who gets mad. We have a routine most nights. The kids can count on Mom and Dad being home to put them to bed, and then we watch a “Mom and Dad” show.
Sports are great, but I try to be mindful of what participation means for our family as a whole. I don’t want one child’s sports schedule to control the entire schedule of the family. If the schedule is too demanding, I’m most likely finding something else. I don’t want kids’ activities to make us a crabby and frantic house. If it’s becoming that way, it’s a sign to slow it down.
Chores and responsibilities are part of our house, but not a huge part. If things are messy during the week, I try to let it go. On the weekends, we ask for help in the mornings to pick up and vacuum, and we all take about 20 minutes to do it together.
Kids today don’t need more—more activities, more running, more stimulation, more stuff—they need less. Home is the sanctuary of less. Less pressure. Less rigor. Less obligations.
They need less stress. Time with pets. Riding bikes. Reading books. Watching shows. Early bedtimes. School is busy. Life is busy. Sports are busy. Kids today are busy. Too busy.
Making home a restful place is not only important for kids—it’s important for the whole family.
by Leslie Means 
by Ashley Hill 
by Stacey Pardoe 
