Happy 2018 everyone! Don’t you just love the start of the new year? New Year’s resolutions, fresh starts, clean slates, and chances to make the new year even better than the last! In line with that, today we’re talking about ways you can bring positivity into your home. Creating a positive atmosphere or home environment is a great way to start the year, don’t you think? Check out some ways you can do that below!

Nothing makes any atmosphere more negative than rude and harsh words. Try to encourage polite conversation by teaching your kids simple manners, and leading by example. A kind word or two always goes a long way in brightening someone’s day.

Whether it’s the effort your child put in school or chores, or the effort your husband put in at work, recognizing the effort that everyone put–even in daily, everyday activities–is one way to bring positivity into your home.

Everyone makes mistakes. But instead of dwelling too much on it, and moping, try to offer sympathy and other alternatives to combat the failure. Is there something else you can do? What can you learn from it? Yes, it’s tough, especially if you’re the one experiencing failure directly. But it’s a good life lesson that can help everyone in the family cope with disappointment.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to blame someone–whether it be someone else or yourself. Create a no-blame atmosphere in the house, and discourage your kids from pointing fingers. Instead, be supportive of someone who owns up to their mistakes, and encourage open communication within the family.

Teamwork makes the dream work! This may be a cheesy line, but it’s also quite true. Foster cooperation by partnering up with your hubby, and doing a few chores together as an example for your kids. You can also use a buddy system, or simply encourage them to work together. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your children getting along and working together!

Let’s be honest. As moms, comparing can sometimes be second nature. But it can also foster a sense of unhealthy competition and jealousy. What you can try to do is to celebrate each of your children’s unique individuality instead.

Even if it’s just a response to someone passing the salt over the dinner table, gratitude–even in its smallest forms–goes a long way. Ingrain these simple words in your kids’ vocabulary as soon as you can, and cultivate it as they grow older.

Laughter is probably one of the fastest ways to bring positivity into your home. Plus, it’s so easy too! So don’t stress too much over the little things. Take some time to laugh at a corny joke someone says, and relish the cute and funny moments you have with your family.

You can’t work at bringing in positive vibes if you are tired and stressed out. So don’t forget to look after yourself. Get enough rest, try not to get too stressed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your spouse and your kids! We’re pretty sure they’ll be more than willing to help out!

While it may be mom’s job to run the household, and oversee everything that’s happening, it’s also mom’s prerogative to enjoy some time with her family. So let go and live in the moment. Enjoy spending time with your family, and all the positive vibes they bring you!