10 Genius Parenting Hacks That Will Transform Your Home Overnight

Candace Cameron Bure recently welcomed Dr. Josh and Christi Straub on her podcast to discuss how parents can cultivate a positive atmosphere in their homes.

“I often speak about striving for peace within your household,” Dr. Josh stated. “It’s a constant effort; you need to pray for it and actively work towards it, because the world outside is full of chaos. We must be mindful of our home’s atmosphere and identify ways to ensure it remains a peaceful haven.”

Familyguide previously highlighted the Straubs’ work:

Josh and Christi have dedicated their lives to supporting families and enhancing parenting skills, which led to the creation of their organization, Famous at Home.

Through their initiative, the Straubs aim to “foster emotional connections and spiritual growth within families and among leaders.”

For households seeking more tranquility, Dr. Josh advises parents to pinpoint areas needing improvement and develop strategies to address them.

“It could be fatigue, irritability, constant complaints, or anxiety. Identify the predominant negative energy in your home that’s affecting everyone, and then consider: ‘What small change can we implement to start shifting the atmosphere?'”

When the Straubs noticed excessive complaining in their own home, they introduced a “complaint jar.” Children had to deposit a quarter each time they complained, and when full, the money was donated to their church or another worthy cause.

“The idea was to foster gratitude and help others, making us realize how fortunate we truly are,” he explained. “We wanted to curb unnecessary grumbling, so we also had adults contribute a dollar if caught complaining. This approach made everyone more aware, gradually improving our home’s atmosphere.”

“Sometimes, the change needed might be in your marriage,” Dr. Josh added. “Recently, Christi and I realized we weren’t connecting as much and were becoming snippy with each other. We decided to spend time on our porch swing after the kids were in bed, discussing our week and plans for the next day. This simple act helped us reconnect.”

After prioritizing time to discuss their schedules together, they found their home became happier, and their interactions improved.

Josh, Christi, and their organization frequently share parenting advice via social media, podcasts, and speaking engagements. One tip Josh often recommends is for parents to get on their children’s level when they’re experiencing intense emotions.

In another podcast episode with Bure and on Instagram, Josh advised parents to “Stay with your children until they calm down, then engage with their world,” explaining that a child’s overwhelmed brain can’t process instruction or correction without first being soothed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Famous at Home (@famousathome)

The Straubs’ book, “Famous at Home,” guides parents on prioritizing family in an era when numerous distractions compete for parental attention more than ever before.

The Straubs assert, “You can indeed be famous at home by showing up meaningfully and intentionally for your biggest supporters. It all begins with recognizing that the most important red carpet you’ll ever walk is the one leading through your front door.”