Friends, I just had to tell you what my kids said in the car to me the other day that really got me thinking. So, I’m coming to you via video (gulp!) to share the story with you and ask you two questions.
At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt
Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart
Friends, I just had to tell you what my kids said in the car to me the other day that really got me thinking. So, I’m coming to you via video (gulp!) to share the story with you and ask you two questions.
I asked my hubby this question today and we both agreed that our home is a peace-filled home as a concept of refuge from the outside world. But, it is not a peaceful home in that we have combined two individual homes into one as a result of our relationship and marriage, and are still trying to down size and purge 30 + years of “treasures”, It is still to full of “stuff” to be emotionally and spiritually peaceful. We are committed to the downsizing of possessions as the answer to the second part of your question of how to change this. Less is always more is a good concept for empty nesters. I was also struck by your opening comments about making mistakes as a mom. In looking back in retrospect from mothering my own now 30 and 38 year old children- Individual choices we make when “mothering” may seem bad in the short run, but over time those decisions are not as important or impactable as making memories with our kids…..such as random pajama days… You are doing a fantastic job and you should be proud!….
Hi Marji! It’s so great that you and your husband are being intentional about what you need to do to make your home more peaceful and recognizing that the ‘stuff’ is keeping it from feeling that way. Less is more is definitely a good concept! And thank you so much for your encouragement for me in this season of motherhood. I always appreciate wisdom from those who are further along on the journey! 🙂
At times I feel my home is peaceful especially when it is clean, warm and decorated! It is just my husband and I so we spend a great deal of time here. When we were younger and had get together’s, it always felt homey and comfortable.
It sounds like you have made a peaceful home a priority Janeen and that it’s worked! You used such great adjectives to describe it and those are all things that I believe are essential to having a home that is peaceful and welcoming. Thanks so much for your comment!
I used to be a strict parent; because that’s how I was raised. (Now both my oldest children and I understand, my mistake and why and we are past that. ) Due to custody issues I was strict with my oldest daughters. Now they are 29 and 28 and have a busy life; but they do enjoy to visit us and when I entertain ; everyone loves my home.
I find it peaceful ; because I grew up in a hostile home. I tried my best , not to repeat that as a parent; but one is not perfect.
My youngest child changed our world. He suffered depression for most of his teenager years; and he was the one who told me “why are you always angry”!? and I had to be different with him. That was the moment that I call my daughters and cried my eyes out in remorse. -I thought that was the way to parent – ! I confused anger with discipline. Now I try to listen and be compassionate with them.
My son likes to host “movie marathons” and his friends think my home is beautiful.
However Vanessa; I think parents want to get kids involved in so many activities ; that a kid gets burned out. (Yes, it’s better to get involved in something, than have them seating in front of social media every single day.)
I think theres nothing wrong with making sure that our kids have a day off , from all of the things we think they need to do , in order to excel in life.
Now my home is peaceful, because I fill it with comfortable spaces in which my family and friends, can relax. Eat and enjoy ourselves.