When you start a family of your own, do you dream of this beautiful picture-perfect family with a helpful husband, and two or three adorable children living a dreamy-filled life?

Now wouldn’t that be perfect?

Yes, that dream is beautiful but, a PERFECT family does not exist especially, if you have young children at home running around screaming, and messing the house about.

Instead of feeling like a sanctuary, your home feels so disorganized.

So how should you calm the chaos?

First, do not lose your chill, instead take control of your life with these 5 realistic yet doable ways to stay calm in a chaotic home.

 

1. Stay Cool & Regulate Your Emotions

 

When things get too stressful and way beyond your control – try to isolate yourself from the chaos. This could mean some alone time.

You may want to sit back, breathe deeply, have a cup of coffee, and try to control your mood and emotions by distracting yourself with reading, watching tv or listening to some good music.

Otherwise, you might blow wherever the wind takes you. It is not something you want your children to look at because if you can’t take care of your emotions, it can negatively impact your children’s emotional states as well.

 

2. Start a Family Routine

 

You may think that routines are similar to living a military-disciplined life with lot’s of do’s and don’ts. But no. Try creating a family routine that fits your family’s lifestyle and daily activities.

Here’s an example of a routine for school going kids:

The morning regularity could be:

• Wake up
• Bathroom time
• Get dressed
• Breakfast
• Pack bag
• Ready to go to school

When they arrive home from school:

• Put bag away
• Have lunch
• Do homework
• Naptime
• Playtime

Then bedtime:

• Get into pajamas
• Brush teeth
• Read
• Sleep

If you have a baby or a toddler, it can be a little tricky since they are quite unpredictable.

However, try sticking as close as possible to your planned routine.

Sure, there are going to be times when routines will be out the window, but if you stick to it, your baby or toddler will soon follow through.

Family routines can make life simpler because you have a general sense of what is next. Your children would also know when they can play, nap, or finish up their homework.

 

3. A Place for Everything

 

You and your children should agree on where to put things or where things belong in the house. You can start by teaching them on how they can help you around the house with these simple acts.

For example;

• to put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• to put back books on the bookshelf
• toys to be kept in the toy box
• to leave their shoes by the front door

Yes, these acts can be a daunting task for your children but you should let them practice it from young so it becomes a norm around the house.

In case they forget, give them a gentle reminder with a single word, such as ‘laundry’, ‘shoes’, or a question like ‘where does that belong?’ instead of you getting frustrated and losing your chill.

 

4. Exercise as a family

 

Yeah, why not exercise as a family? Stretch out your yoga mat, be the captain of your home and start some simple exercise routine such as:

• Stretching your muscles
• Moving your body
• Do jumping jacks or push-ups
• Hula hoops
• Or follow your children’s rhythms and movements

That would be super fun!

 

5. Weekend Outings

 

Plan a simple weekend outing with your family for a quick fix of family fun. It doesn’t have to be an expensive trip or activity.

 

Considering the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) and SOPs, you could opt for some outdoor play at grandma’s house, have a picnic by the lake, arrange a playdate, ride bikes around the neighbourhood, go fishing, or any other activities that might interest you and your family to do it together.

 

End of the day, you know what’s best for your family, and if you are finding that your days have too much stress, chaos, and undesirable behaviors from your children, it may be worthwhile making some tweaks around the house for everyone’s improved well-being.