I think that the term “home-making” can be intimidating–either we imagine a frumpy, dedicated housewife, or we might think of the high-pressure perfection of a Martha Stewart-type. For single parents, many of us feel like we could never compete or compare–or that we don’t have the time or resources for home-making so why bother? Well, maybe we’re not Martha Stewart or June Cleever, but we can make a comfortable and pleasant home for our families regardless.
For me, I had to separate home-making from perfection. Having a cozy, comfortable home doesn’t have to mean that it looks like a movie set or a magazine cover. Nor should it add pressure to our kids or our lives. That was another turning point for me–when I realized that putting energy into home-making should make my family life feel better–not worse–I was able to get into it more!
As a single parent, we often have less time, less money, and less energy for doing the housekeeping and home-making. I’ve learned that simple, washable, and convenient are key to making a cozy, comfortable single parent home. Washable placemats and cloth napkins that sit piled in a basket for meal time and then get thrown into the washing machine after are an easy way to have a lovely family dinner–without fuss. I purchases a sturdy, over-stuffed living room furniture set in a sage green cotton (huge chair, love seat and sofa)–lots of cushions and I can change the throw pillows with whim and seasons and there is plenty of comfortable, good-looking seating.
I really do think that home-making as a single parent does not have to be overly stressful–just think comfort and pleasantness–not fuss. What colors make your family feel good? What is easy to care for and always looks nice? The process of home-making as a single parent can be extremely healing and soul-feeding too. As you put together a home for your family as it is now–you can add new items, get rid of stuff that has negative memories associated with it, and gradually build the home and vibe that makes your single parent family feel nurtured and protected.
See Also the HOME blog