Creating a peaceful, harmonious home environment can be challenging, especially for busy parents and foster carers who may be caring for children affected by trauma. However, small, consistent changes can make a big difference in cultivating tranquillity and restoring calm. Here are seven straightforward steps you can take to bring more peace into your home.
1. Establish Routines
Structure and routines are comforting for children. Have set times for waking up, meals, homework, family activities, and bedtime. Post schedules in a visible place and remind your children what’s happening next so they know what to expect. Routines help avoid chaos and arguments. For foster children joining a new home, explain the household routines to help them adjust.
2. Set Clear Rules
Work together as a family to create 3-5 simple household rules like “Be kind”, “Listen to adults”, and “No yelling”. Praise your children for following the rules. Enforce the consequences calmly and consistently when any rules are broken. Clear rules and boundaries make children feel secure. Ensure foster children understand the rules and reasons for them.
3. Schedule Quiet Time
Carve out periods during the day for calm activities. Encourage independent play, reading, crafts, or listening to music. For younger children, implement a rest/quiet time after lunch. Limit noisy play and rambunctious games during quiet times. If you are fostering in Scotland, the children you care for may need extra help settling into quiet play. Having consistent downtime prevents overstimulation.
4. Manage Screen Time
While tablets, phones and television have a place, excessive screen time can lead to agitation. Set limits for age-appropriate amounts of screen time. Avoid screens for 1-2 hours before bed for better sleep. Designate screen-free family time and enjoy activities like games, cooking, or walks. Be patient helping foster children who may be used to constant screen time.
5. Hold Family Meetings
Schedule weekly family meetings to resolve problems, share feelings, and bond. Let each person talk about their week and bring up concerns in a judgement-free zone. Brainstorm solutions together. Focus on positives like appreciation for each other. Foster children benefit from a safe space to share their voice. Meetings help build connection.
6. Embrace Calm Parenting
When tensions escalate, stay calm. Speak gently, take deep breaths, and model peaceful responses. Avoid yelling or harsh discipline which can perpetuate trauma in foster children. Be affectionate and validating. Explain when you need to take a break. Your calm presence is contagious. Promote positive behaviour by spending one-on-one time with each child.
7. Infuse Joy
Laughter, play and affection replenish children’s reservoirs of resilience. Have regular family game nights. Share jokes and funny stories at dinner. Organise family pizza parties, living room campouts or afternoon dance parties. For foster children, provide toys, crafts and activities matched to their interests. Spending enjoyable time together as a family is one of the best ways to create a tranquil home.
Following these seven tips can help transform home into a sanctuary of peace and stability, even during periods of stress and uncertainty. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. With consistency and care, your household can become a harmonious refuge.
