17 Slow Living Family Habits for a Peaceful Home with Children
Because the Best Memories Are Made in the Quiet Moments
Today, I’m excited to share a bit about our family’s journey toward slow living—an intentional, more peaceful way of life we’ve chosen to cultivate in our home, especially as we raise our children.
Slow living might sound simple in theory, but let’s be real: it often feels countercultural. We live in a society that celebrates hustle, busyness, and constant productivity. Choosing a slower path takes intentionality—but it is absolutely possible and incredibly worth it. And no, you don’t have to live on a farm or be off the grid. You can start right where you are.
These slow living habits didn’t become part of our routine overnight. In fact, most of them came through a lot of trial, error, and grace. If this list feels overwhelming, just pick one to try this month. Add another next month. Over time, these small shifts become a way of life.
1. Wake Up Before Your Family (With Coffee and Quiet Time)
This one change has been the most transformative for me. Starting the day with 15 minutes of peace—coffee in hand, a journal nearby—helps center my heart and sets a calm tone for the rest of the day. I used to resist the idea (I'm not naturally a morning person), but now I see it as a gift not just to myself, but to my entire family.
2. Let Your Kids Get Bored
Boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s actually a doorway to creativity. Instead of defaulting to screens, let your kids experience unstructured time. Yes, you’ll hear “I’m bored” a dozen times, but you’ll also see them turn sticks into swords and backyards into kingdoms.
3. Celebrate Big and Small Wins
From job promotions to lost teeth or a teddy bear’s "birthday," make celebration a part of your family culture. Joy doesn’t need to wait for major milestones.
4. Pick Up a New Hobby (and Let Yourself Be Bored Too)
Rather than defaulting to social media in quiet moments, try a hobby that uses your hands and heart—gardening, baking, knitting, painting. These activities offer peaceful, creative space to recharge.
5. Create a Weekly Family Tradition
Choose one night a week for something simple but consistent—pizza night, board games, a family movie. It gives your week rhythm and something joyful to look forward to.
6. Invest in a Good Espresso Machine
Making coffee at home has become a beloved ritual in our house. It’s budget-friendly, cozy, and a beautiful little anchor to our mornings.
7. Learn to Bake Homemade Bread
The rhythm of mixing, kneading, and baking is incredibly grounding—and the smell? Pure comfort. This has become both a hobby and a way I express love for my family.
8. Get Outside Every Day
Whether it’s a quick walk or an afternoon at the park, fresh air does wonders for everyone’s mood. We've made it a goal to explore nearby trails and streams, and it's become one of our favorite family habits.
9. Tuck Social Media Away (Literally)
Deleting apps or simply moving them to a hidden folder can help reduce mindless scrolling. If quitting isn’t realistic, limiting access still protects your peace.
10. Candlelight Dinners Once a Week
Make one meal a little special: set the table, light a candle, and slow down. Ask thoughtful questions like, “What made you laugh today?” It creates space for connection and presence.
11. Leave Some Weeknights Wide Open
Try to keep at least a couple of evenings each week unscheduled. These open spaces allow for rest, spontaneous play, and moments of reconnection.
12. Set Tech-Free Hours
We aim to put our phones away from dinner through to the kids bedtime. That simple boundary has created space for deeper conversations, laughter, and actual presence with our kids.
13. Cook One New, From-Scratch Meal Each Month
I’d love to say weekly, but monthly feels realistic! This gives me a chance to try something new, be creative, and involve the kids. Bonus points for using fresh, local ingredients from a farmer’s market!
14. Establish a Calming Night Routine
Lower the lights, put on some soft music, and wind down together. Our family does a quick reset and clean-up after dinner with calming music to help signal the shift into evening.
15. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Whether in the morning or before bed, writing down a few things you’re thankful for shifts your mindset. No gratitude is too small—cookies, sunshine, or kind words all count.
16. Speak Gratitude Out Loud
Let your children hear you notice the good. Say things like, “I’m so thankful for this breeze!” or “That was such a fun dinner.” It teaches them to look for and celebrate the beauty in the ordinary.
17. No-Commitments Saturdays
Once a month, block off a weekend day with zero plans. No errands, no parties, no expectations. Just rest, boredom, play, and family time. It’s magic.
Slow living isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence over productivity, simplicity over stress, and joy over hurry. I hope this list encourages you to take one small step toward a more peaceful, intentional home—one where your children can grow up knowing that slow is sacred, and that home is a haven.
Love & gratitude,
Lisa
PS I'd love to hear from you—what slow living habits have you embraced in your own family? Whether you’re just starting out or already on this path, leave a comment below and share what’s working for you (or what you're hoping to try!). Let’s encourage one another in creating homes filled with peace, presence, and purpose.
And if this post resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend or saving it for later—because small, intentional steps really do make a big difference.