I have vivid memories of stepping off the school bus as a young child and being so excited to get home. My mom always had the house smelling so good. Home Sweet Home by Yankee Candle Co. was her scent of choice, and she always seemed to have a candle lit. I also remember how my mom loved decorating the house and it always looked so festive for every season. Blankets and pillows were readily available to cozy up to, home always felt warm and inviting.

As school started this year I was realizing that the transition from school to home was often feeling chaotic, kids throwing their things everywhere and everyone was frantic to find a snack and quickly change out of their uniforms into comfy clothes. I began to tweak things in our home to create a more calming atmosphere for when they walked through the doors. The ironic part is that I quickly found that creating a cozy and calming atmosphere at home not only helps my kids, but also ME! Here are some of the things I have tried that seem to help create an environment that welcomes you to relax.

• Create a designated space for shoes and backpacks- all the clutter contained in one space! Make your expectations known that they are to put their items in the correct place as they walk in the door. This has eventually become a habit for my kids... well most of them.

• Hug your kids if you haven’t already done so that day. Or hug them again if you sense they need it. Confession: Sometimes I would realize that it had been days since I last gave my kids a hug! So i’m trying to be more intentional about it, and setting a time to do this has really helped! Tip: Don’t let go of your kids until they let go of you. I’m pleasantly surprised by how long they want to hug for!

• Set some battery operated candles around the house and have them timed to come on when your kids get home. This has seriously helped my kids chill! There is something about a flickering candle that just helps you relax!

• Light a good smelling candle…think about awakening your childs senses! I am loving Antique Candle Co. Apple Pickin and Mommas Kitchen scents are my favorite right now! Or if candles aren’t your thing, dust off that essential oil diffuser and put it to work!

• Have a healthy snack in mind for your kids and be available to help them get it if they need help. (Pepperoni, string cheese, Slim Jims, bell peppers, carrots, hummus, pistachios, yogurt…)

• Give your kids space and time to chill and unwind without asking anything of them. This is the time I let them on their devices or watch tv (usually anywhere from 30min-1 hour). Our kids play soccer in the evening and so this is the only chill time they usually get during the day.

• Play soothing music. Sometimes I play our summer playlist that we created together, and other times it’s just soothing music. Did you know that you can get three months free of streaming music on apple? Just don’t forget to cancel the membership! That is how we created our summer playlist and kept adding to it all summer long!

It makes me smile when I sense my kids exhaling. Often one of my boys will say, “I’m so glad i’m home.” Oh how I hope and pray that my kids always feel that way when they come home.

What other tips do you have that help create a cozy and calming atmosphere in your home?