Ways to create a calm home environment for your family

Ah, calm. It can sometimes seem like a distant memory of life before kids, right? But cultivating a peaceful atmosphere is possible—even when your little ones are running around. In fact, finding pockets of calm can make a huge difference to everyone’s wellbeing. So, I’ve put together a few ways to bring more tranquility into your home—both practical tips and small, everyday mindset shifts that might help.

1. Crush the clutter

They say there’s such a thing as clutter blindness—when it’s built up to the point where you can’t even see it anymore. But you can still feel it. Finding the time to tidy up seems like it should be achievable, right? But it is hard, momma. With everything you’ve got going on, needs flying in from all directions, and just keeping the wheels turning day to day.

But the impact isn’t just about the satisfaction of getting the chore done—however fleeting that might be, because everyone’s things will be all over the place pretty soon again, right? Back to the point, though: It’s not just about the mini boost of finally getting it done. It’s about the space it opens up, literally in your home and figuratively in terms of having more breathing room. That feeling, that calm, matters. So finding ways to crush the clutter is worth it.

Start small: Give away or donate items you no longer need. Or make it a family activity with a quick 10-minute tidy-up: Set a timer, play some music, and race to see who can tidy up the most! This not only helps reduce clutter but also reinforces the idea that everyone contributes to creating a calm, organized space.

2. Create a “Kid Zone”

One of the best ways to maintain a sense of calm in your home is to designate a space that your kids “own.” This could be a corner of a room, a play area, or even a messy art corner. They can store their things how they want (within reason!); do their arts and crafts on a table that will proudly wear the traces of it; transform that space into a land of adventure—maybe with an imagination-fuelling podcast for inspiration…

Letting your little ones ‘own’ this space helps mix in a sense of responsibility with the freedom this gives them. If they want it to be a pirate ship, a castle, or a forest, they can make it that way; if they can’t find the things they want, it’s time for them to have a tidy up so that they can. And if all their things are in that space, the rest of your home can exude more calm.

3. Bring in some green

Plants help boost our mood , so adding a touch of nature indoors goes beyond just the aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s a few potted plants, a succulent on a windowsill, or a mini herb garden in the kitchen, greenery helps boost our mood.

Planting seeds with your little ones, tending to them together, and watching them grow can also be a beautiful thing to do together. Get your little ones involved in choosing and caring for the plants—this can become a shared project that’s rewarding for everyone.

Extra tip : Consider starting with something simple, like basil or mint, which you can use in cooking together. It’s a great way to teach your kids about caring for something and enjoying the results!

4. Add calming scents and lighting

Natural light is important for our mental health, so open those blinds wide whenever you get the chance. And if you’re on night shifts, this one’s key. Later in the day, dimming your indoor lights can help you and your little ones to wind down. Same goes for calming scents, like lavender. Bring it into bathtime, with scent sticks or candles, or a pillow spray to help your family sleep soundly. 

1. Mindful screen time

Screens are a part of modern childhood—very little getting around it. But it’s important to integrate it wisely; too much screen time has been linked to negative impacts like delayed development and less parent-child talk .

We’ve spoken to lots of mommas about how screen time can leave their kids withdrawn—or totally hyper. How we don’t like some of the supposedly kid-friendly content that’s pushed to them. And also about how often, we rely on that sort of absorbing entertainment for our kids, to give us a moment to get things done.

However, when used wisely, screens can actually help provide a moment of calm—like listening to a soothing podcast or watching a slow-paced nature documentary together

So, blending this need for conscious entertainment with the need for parent-child interactions was part of my motivation in creating our kids podcast Adventures of Curiosity Cove.

To offer a calm, mindful alternative that sparks your child’s imagination while giving you a moment to breathe. Listen along as a family, then use the storylines as a springboard for conversations about courage, sharing, or tackling everyday fears.

2. Ask for change and give descriptive praise

Encouraging positive behavior with descriptive praise can be a game-changer. Instead of saying “You’re so good!” when your child picks up their toys, try: “Thank you for putting your toys back in the box. It makes the room look so tidy!” It’s specific, clear, and helps reinforce the why behind their actions.

I thought these expert tips were interesting, especially on how to ask your little ones to alter habits that make your life trickier, and how to praise them when they do. Caroline shares her 4-part message technique: You say what the problem is, how you feel about it, the reason why, and then ask for help. She gives this example and explanation:

• Say what the problem is: “When you leave your clothes on the floor…”
• Share how you feel: “…I feel frustrated…”
• Explain the reason: “…because it makes the space messy…”
• Ask for help: “…how can we keep the floor clear?”

This method respects both your feelings and theirs, inviting them to problem-solve alongside you.

Finding calm amidst the chaos isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. Don’t strive for perfection; instead, aim for small, steady steps. And remember: Every family is different, so find what works best for you.

If you try any of these tips, I’d love to hear how they work for your family! Tag us @lovefortsumpter on Instagram and share your own calm home tips—because we’re all figuring it out, and the more we share, the more we all grow.