Ideas for A Happy Home

Library of Congress: Robert Carmer Hill house, New Jersey, 1918

 

 

Creating a happy home is a fun job. It takes a lot of work and a cheerful attitude. But we need motivation and ideas to keep it up.

Getting Help from Teens

The past few days, as I've been getting my energy back, I didn't want to take on too much housework. So I asked my boys (14 and 19) to do some of my work. They are sweethearts and are willing to help, but my oldest son is busier. I had to come up with creative ways to motivate him to help me. Here is what I did:

I asked him to take the 7:00 pm shift in the kitchen. This would mean doing dishes and straightening up.  I asked him for help "in reverse," which means I pretended to take his side. This made us both smile.   As the time approached, I said, "I really don't want you to nag me, but I know you want me to do the dishes."  He smiled, but didn't budge. He was working on a project. When it was just about 7, I went to him again and said, "You know? You have been nagging me all day about those dishes. Can't you see I'm busy? I will try to do them in a minute." He smiled again. I walked away. He did the dishes.

Creating the right Atmosphere

Sometimes, watching old episodes of The Brady Bunch, The Waltons, or The Donna Reed show, put me in such a cheerful mood that I want to make my home pleasant and presentable.  Other times, I turn on old gospel music, or some Bing Crosby, and I imagine the 1940's housewives and how they kept their homes happy.   I have trouble cleaning my kitchen unless my lamp is on, or a candle is lit. I need my surroundings to be pretty and cheerful because that affects my mood.

Reverencing Daddy

I do my best to keep things quiet around the house for Mr. White. I also make sure he has his coffee, clean clothes and clean dishes.  I encourage the children to honor their father, by honoring him myself.  Many Dads have a special chair where they can relax.  Home should be the place these men want to come home to.

Careful with Money

We have to strive for a home- centered attitude, rather than a shopping one. The goal is to avoid unnecessary spending and keeping the focus off finances, on a day-to-day basis. Money is certainly important, but it is not the main part of our daily life. We need to think more on spending time with family, reading, keeping busy with hobbies and our chores. 

We also need to keep the bills low, conserve the use of utilities and fuel for the cars.  When we are careful with our money, everyone is much happier at home.

Mother's Attitude

With so many problems facing Mothers, we need to work on having a peaceful attitude. Of course we are going to get upset, and worry about things. If we learn to seriously give things over to the Lord, and not worry about everything, we will have an easier time.

The Daily Fight

To have a happy home is going to take a daily fight.  We will fight bad news, irritating people, messes, accidents and sickness. These fights are in the mind. We fight off the negative, and work on remaining steady through it all, like the hand that does not shake in the midst of trauma.  This takes practice. It sometimes takes a lot of pep talks!  But we must remind ourselves daily that we can have a happy home - if we decide it will happen - no matter what may come!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Honoring Husbands - Cooking for Mister.

What my son did, when I had a very sad day - Presents to Cheer Me Up!

"Would you like your tea now Mother?" - When my daughter was The Breakfast Hostess.

 I want - An Old Fashioned Home. 

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Mrs. White's detailed explanation of keeping a financial journal and budget:

 

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

 77 pages, paperback.