Creating a calm environment for kids: How to reduce stress in your home

Aisling Keenan

Calm, of any kind, can be hard to come by as a parent. Here are some simple things to implement at home to help take the tension down a little…

Life as a parent is chaos. A never-ending stream of activity, emotions, and challenges. Juggling work, household responsibilities, and the needs of your children can lead to stress levels that often seem unmanageable.

However, finding ways to create a calm home environment can make a significant difference in reducing stress for both parents and kids.

According to a survey by Mental Health Ireland, 82% of Irish adults report experiencing stress, while parents, in particular, face unique stressors related to childcare, work-life balance, and financial pressures.

In order to bring a little bit more zen to your world, calming things down at home is a good place to start. Thankfully, there are some relatively simple things you can implement to help.

Tips for creating a calmer home for you and your family:

Talk it out: Encourage open and honest communication within your family. Let your children know that they can talk to you about their concerns and feelings. This fosters trust and reduces the emotional burden on everyone.
A family calendar: Plan a family calendar to organise everyone’s activities and commitments.
Be more mindful: Teach your family mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. These practices can help everyone stay grounded and calm in the face of stress.
Get outside: Take advantage of our beautiful natural surroundings. Spending time outdoors, whether in parks or by the coast, can be a great way to relieve stress and enjoy quality family time.
Limit screens: Limiting screen time can help reduce stress. The Irish Heart Foundation recommends no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children aged 5-18.
Care for yourself, too: Parents often neglect self-care. Remember that taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, allows you to be a more patient and understanding parent.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or professionals when needed. We have various organisations here that offer assistance and counselling services for families facing stress-related challenges.
Make (literal) peace: Designate a peaceful area within your home where family members can go to unwind. This space can include comfortable seating, calming colours, and even soothing music.
Don’t over plan: Be mindful of overloading your family’s schedule with extracurricular activities. Balance is key to reducing stress.
Get togther: Hold regular family meetings to discuss any issues or conflicts. Encourage everyone to participate in finding solutions and making decisions together.