Creating a Happy Home

I love going to MOPS.  I have only been a few times, but both times I have walked away with knowledge that has improved our family life, even if only in a tiny way.  We recently had a speaker talking about including Dad in the home and how we can become more unified with our husbands.

For example, when my husband comes home, what do I do?  Do I greet him with a hug and a kiss?  Do I continue doing the dishes or cooking dinner?  Do I vent to him about how stressful and long my day has been and brief him on the status of our 3 boys?  The real question is “What should I do?”  When George comes home, I should stop what I am doing and greet him, whether it’s with a “hello,” a hug, a kiss, or all three.  My parents have encouraged me to do that as well.  When he comes home and I greet him, it gives him a feeling of belonging and appreciation.  It’s okay to tell him about my day and how the kids are, but not until he has had a chance to unwind a little.

At the meeting we also talked about how dads can create a happy spirit in the home.  It is extremely beneficial to the family to have dad (or mom) say out loud, “I’m so glad to be a part of this family” or “I’m so glad you are a part of our family” or “I’m so glad to have you as my son.”  I tried this with my boys yesterday.  I was exhausted and frustrated.  I was trying to clean the house and EVERY time I turned around there was another mess.  After a while, I went up to my 3 boys and told them I was so glad to have them in our family and how happy I was to be their moms.  You should have seen their faces.  Instantaneous smiles formed.  I was amazed at what a powerful effect those words would have on them.

It is also very beneficial to have dad say out loud, “You are so lucky to have a mom like her” or “look how beautiful your mom is” or “You are so lucky to have a mom who does so much for you and cares about you so much.”  I can tell you that this is my favorite phrase and I love it when my husband says it to me or my kids.  It really lifts spirits.

More to come on how to create a happy home.  Please note that I do not know everything about creating a happy home, but am in the pursuit of learning how to do so.