TherMOMeter: Setting The Temperature In Your Family

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As a young mom, I had no idea that my mood could and would set the temperature for the entire house; actually I wasn’t aware yet, but I was the therMOMeter of my home. If I was in a bad mood, it eventually bled over and made everyone else have a bad mood too.

My boys were little when I decided to test this idea out. I decided that no matter how I “felt” that day I would take a few notes and see how quickly my attitude started affecting how the kids (and even my husband) were behaving in response.

One of the ways that I started to put this whole therMOMeter idea into practice was when I was picking up the kids from school and in our transition into dinner time at the house.

Here are a few ideas:

For the kids –

  • When the kids get in the car, make it a point to try and end your phone calls. When they get in the car, they  want to know they are the most important thing for you right at that very moment. Are there times when you have to take a call or cannot get off a call…yes, but maybe they are few and far between.
  • When the kids get in the car, make it comfortable for them. Have some relaxing music playing, like classical or jazz. If it’s hot, then have the a/c on so the car is nice and cool. If it’s cold, then have the heat on so the car is nice and toasty.
  • Maximize the car ride home–make it your time to chat. They want to talk (whether they admit it or not) and they also want to make sure they are being heard.
    • How was school? Did anything exciting happen that day? What was the best part of the day? What was the worst part of the day?
  • At home, have a snack together. Chances are they are hungry, and it’s another great opportunity to sit together and catch up on their day.

For your husband –

  • Notice when he gets home. Greet him with a warm smile. Don’t immediately overwhelm him with stuff he needs to do around the house.
    • Find out what’s the best rhythm for your husband. Does he need a little time alone when he gets home to transition? Does he want a great big celebration when he walks in the door, or is he ready to sit down and talk about his day? Ask him — he’ll let you know.
    • Let’s face it, if mom and kids are not in the middle of world war three that already makes his night better.

At this point, the temperature is already set. The time between the kids and I walking in and my husband walking in really decides how the rest of the night will be at the house. Will the kids still fight and things happen to mess with the temperature in your home? Yes, but moms this is where we can really make a difference. By being aware to check the therMOMeter of our house, then we can change the temperature of the whole night.

Tonight you and I can make that temperature change in our family, but the choice is yours–hot, cold or just right…you are the therMOMeter of your home. 

Here’s a prayer for you as you seek to adjust the therMOMeter in your home;

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 ESV 

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Stephanie Shott
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