Setting a Positive Tone

As moms we have the amazing privilege and responsibility of setting the tone for our homes. The age old, "to whom much is given, much is expected" is what comes to mind here. What do I mean? We often times set the tone for our entire family. If we are irritable and over worked, we don't tend to give our best to our loved ones. If we are tired, snarky, short-fused and cranky ourselves, we can't be surprised when our children mimic these same behaviors.

On the flip side, if we are calm, patient, and joy filled, we can hope for those qualities to spill over to our kids. Now, your children are still going to be children who will have mood swings and melt downs and get hangry and tired and throw things and hit siblings, even on the best of days. However, when we are well rested, intentional, present, patient, kind and positive, we put that energy into the rest of the home. Our children learn so much more watching us than they ever do by what we say. If one minute we are telling our son not to yell at his sister or slam the door, and the next minute we are yelling at our husband and slamming the door, we are not leading by a very good example. Monkey see, monkey do.

So how can you set a positive tone in your home? Let's get practical here for a minute. What are some ways you can make your home more pleasant for everyone (including yourself)? Setting a positive tone for the whole family.

Here are 5 sure ways to help you set a more positive tone in your home:

Get enough sleep

A well-rested mom offers more patience and the ability to handle the curve balls of the day. Sleep may be one of the most important things we need and yet don't get enough. If you have little ones this can be tricky. We know that babes don't like to sleep for the first many months (or years) of their lives. If this is you, I see you and understand that this season may just feel extra tough because you are simply exhausted. That is real. It is okay.

Although you feel right now like you will never get out of this season, it will get better. You will sleep again, I promise. Until then, be intentional about not staying up too late once the kids are in bed. Learn to turn off the TV earlier or leave your device in a different room than next to your bed. Even though we are so desperate to have those precious alone hours at the end of the day, staying up late and not getting enough sleep might be setting us up for failure the next morning when our toddler throws Cheerios all over the floor or our tween can't find her shoes and we are late for school. When we get an efficient amount of sleep, we are sure to put ourselves on a better path to being more patient and kinder to our kids, even in the stressful moments of the day.

Chill!

Don't over book your calendar

Let go of expectations

Practice gratitude

Dear one, I know that motherhood is hard. It is exhausting and often the days feel very tedious. However, to set a positive tone for your home and family takes intentionality and hard work. May you bless your family today with a positive attitude and a grateful heart. May your children rise up and call you blessed (Proverbs 31:28) because you have chosen to set a tone of warmth and love in your home. You were made for such a time as this mama. You've got this! And if and when you fall short, go to the feet of the Father, learn to give yourself grace, and try again.

Love you friend,