Five Reasons to Embrace a Fall Aesthetic at Home

I live in Florida. Here, we have to fake it a little bit. But if you are blessed to live in a place where the year is marked by seasonal changes, you can’t deny that the changing leaves and crisp air make fall magical. With its warm hues and cozy vibes, fall captivates the senses. One way to fully immerse your family in the enchantment is to embrace a fall aesthetic at home. From décor to scents, there are numerous reasons why transforming your living space to reflect the beauty of autumn can be immensely satisfying and beneficial.

Mental Reset

A physical refresh can bring about a mental refresh – I love how God designed life with rhythms that provide both predictability and change. Seasons give us a chance to turn toward what lies ahead with a sense of anticipation. Fall décor is so well suited to this – with colors that reflect the changing leaves outside, candles that smell like pumpkin pie spices, and throw blankets and coffee or tea mugs that make us long for cooler weather and cozy times at home.

And whether there’s an element of difficulty and disappointment about the last season, or we just wrapped up a summer full of delights, it’s still healthy to give ourselves cues to reflect on what we’ve just been through and turn toward what’s coming with eagerness.

Links to Past Blessings

Bringing out the fall decorations reinforces our connection to the joys of the past. As you return to treasured items you have a history with, you inevitably remember the traditions and events that form your family identity. These shared memories are powerful for the present but also for the future. They remind us of the bond we share with each other and serve to continue drawing us closer together.

At least fifteen years ago, we were given a cute little stuffed scarecrow. When we feel like the time is right (shortly after Labor Day), he moves from the storage area to the couch in the living room. It's a moment for us. We have an affection for this little guy, the memories attached to him, and the season he ushers in.

Community

Celebrating the new season can connect us to our community. While we’re loving our seasonal traditions at home, the change in seasons is happening to everyone else as well. Celebrating that together, whether it’s with a spiced latte or a trip to the pumpkin patch, reminds us that there are joys we share with others - even strangers. We are a part of something bigger than our little selves or our little clan.

Family Activities

Fall crafts are the best! Use leaves, pinecones, and acorns to create all kinds of things with your kids and have a low-cost afternoon of fun. A quick search on Pinterest will yield tons of creative ideas. Then, use those creations to grace your home or someone else's

Friendly Gatherings

A warm autumnal environment provides a great opportunity for hospitality. Fall is such a beautiful time to gather friends. It’s the perfect backdrop for a bonfire or a fire in the fire pit, which means (of course) roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Add some string lights, hot apple cider, and outdoor games, and you have a warm and inviting setting for a fun, relaxed, family-friendly gathering in the cool autumn air.

Incorporating a fall aesthetic into your home décor is not just about following a trend; it’s about embracing the beauty, comfort, and warmth that this season offers. From cozy blankets to earthy color palettes and captivating scents, the elements of fall can transform your home into a haven of relaxation, family togetherness, and joy, setting the tone for a glorious holiday season. Make the most of bringing a touch of fall into your home and savor the many benefits it brings to your family.

Xo,

Christie

Eight Ways to Be Your Child's Most Powerful Influencer

Have you ever wished you could raise your child in a sweet little protected bubble? Or maybe head out to a remote location and just enjoy living without all the noise we encounter on a daily basis? While there may be much to attract in such a family vision, much would also be lost. Plus, it’s probably not very realistic – how many of us could successfully create that ideal, problem-free place to raise our kids?

Still, if you dream of this, I feel you! One of the scariest aspects of parenting these days is the overwhelming amount of information reaching our children. The messages are everywhere, and so many of them are full of deception. Now more than ever, a parent’s role as loving guide is essential.

So, how does a parent avoid becoming just one more voice among the millions of others? Thankfully, there is much we can do instill guiding truth in our children.

Nurture your relationship with them

There is no overstating the value of a healthy, loving relationship when it comes to influence. This is increasingly true as children get older. Much of your leadership will come from your authority in the early years, but it will flow from relationship in your child’s older years. If you’ve established mutual trust and respect, and most of all love, your influence is likely to be strong as your children enter adolescence and adulthood. It’s so helpful if you have a relationship-building mindset early on. Then, continue to grow a healthy relationship from there.

Create memories

Memories help form a child’s identity and create tight bonds of connection between family members. Especially if you are enjoying a special time together – a celebration, holiday, vacation, or something momentous – focus on really being present, but also record it if you can. If your children are like mine, they will enjoy revisiting those memories over and over, even into adulthood. Each time they do, they are reminded of the years of love, affection, support, and struggle together that have formed them individually and formed you all as a family. That history has meaning, and the lessons learned and trust formed from those early experiences carry forward in future years.

Listen as much as you talk and be attuned to teachable moments

Listening is one of the best ways to show someone that their presence matters to you and that you care about who they are in their deepest places. There is so much you can learn if you really listen – about who your child is (you might not really know unless you’re paying close attention!) and what their greatest needs are. A simple, loving, pointed, wise word spoken after intentional listening is far more influential than a blunt general statement or command that lands like a hammer.

Encourage as much as you correct – and do most of your teaching during times of non-conflict

Most of us respond better to direction when we know the person providing it sees our effort, recognizes the good we do, and values it. Frequent correction can start to take the form of relentless criticism. It can even feel like an indictment of not only what your child does but who he is.

Encouragement, on the other hand, can serve to spur him on, fan into flame the spark of goodness you see. There’s no avoiding correction when it comes to parenting. It’s necessary and vital! But you can keep an eye on your communication patterns and intentionally aim for more positive and productive ones.

Also, keep in mind that your child is most receptive to your influence when it's offered in a peaceful, safe-feeling moment. Those times when you are frustrated, when your child has missed the mark (again) - those are not likely to be the best opportunities to instill wisdom.

Lecture less as they get older

As your child grows, lectures become less and less effective. One reason for this is that you’ve said most of those things multiple times before! Your child may know what you’re going to say before you even say it.

A better plan is to ask questions that draw out your child’s thoughts and ask for her view of a a particular situation. She might be inclined to argue and oppose if you lecture, even if she actually agrees with you! But if she processes a situation on her own and genuinely acknowledges her own convictions (and all those things you've taught her over the years!), she’s is much more likely to follow those and act rightly.

Be consistent

Think before you speak. Only say what you truly mean. Especially in a heated moment, try to stay true to what you believe and what you teach. This demonstrates to your child that God’s truth applies in all situations, even stressful ones. The rules don’t fly out the window when you’re really angry or irritated or suffering.

In all those situations, even as you express what you feel, hold to the truth you profess. In fact, you can have a great impact on your child as you model how that truth serves as an even more valuable foundation during those difficult times.

Have integrity that they can observe – live out what you teach

Have you heard the saying, “More is caught than taught?” It’s a good reminder that our children will be more strongly influenced by how we live than what we say. The approach that says, “Do what I say, not what I do,” simply doesn’t work. Without consistent character to back up what you teach, your words are likely to ring empty or even be considered completely invalid.

Pray and fill yourself with truth

There’s no doing this influencer thing well apart from the Holy Spirit. Lean into prayer, asking over and over again for filling and guidance to handle all the ups and downs of days spent parenting.

It’s just plain hard, and we will fall short often. Be humble before God and even before your children. Return to God’s word daily to be shaped and formed by the truth he’s provided there. Praise God for his Grace! Know that it is sufficient for you. He loves you, dear mama. He equips you and gives you strength. It’s OK to feel exhausted and inadequate. Know that he’s chosen you for this and he walks with you every step of the way.

Xo,

Christie

Five Creative Ways to Teach Children to Be Grateful

For Christian parents focused on developing godly character in their children, gratitude is often at the top of the list. A child’s grateful heart nurtures their emotional well-being and instills empathy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. It also forms a beautiful testimony to the world about God’s goodness.

Unfortunately, gratitude typically doesn’t come naturally. Like us, our children can be more focused on what they lack than the many blessings they have. However, there are ways to cultivate a grateful heart in your child.

Model Gratitude

Children learn by observing the people they know. When parents, teachers, and caregivers are characterized by being thankful for big and small things, children are more likely to adopt the same attitude. Parents can display this attitude by focusing on the good in even difficult situations, appreciating and enjoying little daily delights, and limiting complaints.

Another way to model gratitude for your child is to express your thanks to him. As parents, we are often correcting our child’s wayward behavior. This is an important part of being a parent. But even more powerful than correction is expressing genuine words of gratitude when your child blessed or helps you. Look for opportunities to say, “I really appreciate how you kept your little sister happy while we were waiting in line at the bank; It was such a help to me” or, “It was such a blessing to come home at the end of a busy day and see that you had picked up your toys.”

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that encourages being present in the moment and cultivating an awareness of a person’s thoughts and feelings. Parents can incorporate mindfulness into daily activities and routines. You can encourage your child to reflect on positive aspects of their lives. If attitudes are heading south, it can be helpful to share what you are thankful for in the moment and ask your child to do the same. Even a little gratitude for the tiniest thing can help bring about a needed attitude adjustment.

Some families have a regular practice of sharing the highlight of each day during dinner. This can be prompted by asking, “What were you most thankful for today?” to help nurture a sense of gratitude.

Use the Words of Gratitude Frequently

Help your child learn to use the words “thank you” or “I appreciate you” often. Make sure these words are used regularly in the home and give children reminders when necessary. These words help gratitude flow easily.

Explore Less Fortunate Perspectives

It’s essential for children to develop an understanding of different life circumstances. Not everyone lives like they do! Engage them in discussions about challenges other people face. This perspective can encourage them to appreciate what they have and to develop compassion for those in need.

If you have the opportunity to visit a country where the lifestyle is very different, do it with your child! People who have much less than we do often also have more – more family time, more community, more joy in traditions, more willingness to care for each other. It can be so impactful to let your children see that there are many things that carry value and that they are not all material.

Encourage Acts of Kindness

Engaging children in acts of kindness helps them understand the impact of their actions on others and fosters a sense of empathy. You can encourage them to do something small, such as making a little gift, providing help when needed, or even just giving a hug.

It’s also great to include children in your own acts of kindness. If you take a meal to someone who is sick, do volunteer work, or help out another mom by providing transportation or running an errand, let your child know that you are glad to be helpful to someone else.

When children witness the joy that kindness brings, and when they realize that many blessings come with a cost, they are more likely to feel grateful for their own blessings.

A habit of gratitude is a precious gift that will bless a household and serve children well throughout their lives. While parents don’t have the power to make a child grateful, they can help guide her toward thankfulness and shape a mindset of gratitude. What a beautiful way to be salt and light in this world!

Xo,

Christie