Traditionally the holiday season is about peace and joy, but if you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to keep a peaceful feeling in your home. This is especially difficult when there is existing tension in family relationships or during stressful times.
As you reflect on this topic, a feeling of peace in your home may seem out of reach for your family. I would encourage you to first, keep in mind that perfection is not possible and will only result in frustration for everyone involved. Instead, focus on making small changes, developing consistency, and celebrating signs of improvement.
Here are a few steps you can take that will contribute to an overall feeling of peace in your home. A shift in perspective, increased connection, self-care, or greater understanding may be all you need to get things moving in the right direction.
Check-in with Yourself First
Before you can promote peace in your home, it’s important that you check-in with yourself first. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s going to be difficult—if not impossible—to maintain a sense of peace within your home. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally so you can show up for your family in the best way possible. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and spending time doing things that bring you joy outside of parenting.
Communicate with Your Co-Parent
When it comes to keeping the peace between you and your co-parent, communication is key. If you’re feeling stressed about the upcoming holidays, talk to your co-parent about it. See if there are any areas where you can lighten each other’s load or come up with a plan that will work for both of you. The more you communicate, the easier it will be to find a solution that works for everyone.
Find Ways to Relax and De-Stress
There are plenty of ways to relax and de-stress, so find what works best for you and make time for it—especially during the holiday season. This could mean taking a yoga class, going for a walk outdoors, reading a book, taking a bath, listening to calm music, or anything else that helps you relax and recharge.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the little things and lose sight of what’s really important. If something doesn’t go according to plan, don’t sweat it. The most important thing is that you’re all spending time together and making memories.
Be Present with Your Family
One of the best ways to keep the peace in your home is to be present with your family when you’re together. This means putting away your phone, being fully engaged in conversations, and enjoying quality time together without any distractions.
Give Each Other Space When Needed
There will be times when you need some space from your family, and that’s okay. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and go into another room for a little while. This will help you reset and come back feeling more patient and ready to engage. You can even check in with your partner from time to time to make sure they’re not feeling overwhelmed. If they need a break, let them take a step back while you take care of things at home. A partnership is just that—a partnership.
Practice Gratitude
Finally, one of the simplest—but most effective—ways to keep the peace in your home is to practice gratitude. Each day, take a few minutes to think about things you’re grateful for in your life. This could be your family, your home, your health, or anything else that brings you joy. Focusing on the good will help you feel more positive and optimistic, which can go a long way in maintaining a peaceful feeling in your home.
Parenting is hard enough as it is, so don’t put extra pressure on yourself to make everything perfect this holiday season. Just make small, daily changes and work to be consistent in your intentions. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping the peace in your home and enjoying a happy holiday season with your family.
