Of House and Home

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

18 Feb 2008 09:40 AM

There is a big difference between a house (or any living structure) and a home. This is even more clear when people are forced by things beyond their control to call a new space "home." While various types of temporary shelter are often not what we would prefer for our families, even these spaces can be made to feel like home.

There are many reasons people need temporary housing, from being unable to purchase a home, being away at college, or being in the military, to other more unfortunate reasons such as being displaced by disaster.

The first, best way to make a new living arrangement feel more homelike is to bring in familiar things. If nothing was salvageable, try to find items reminiscent of what once was. Things may not (and probably will not) be exactly the same, but choosing items in the same color or style, for example, can help them feel more familiar.

Of course, some people just want a fresh start. That's fine too because everyone is different and must do what makes them feel comfortable. However, children seem to be soothed by things that feel more familiar. It gives them a greater sense of normalcy, stability.

Sometimes, it isn't possible to 'go back,' so to speak, so finding ways to make starting fresh feel good is also helpful. You may want to let your child help pick things out and be a real part of the process, if you feel that would be good for him or her and won't be overwhelming.

Even a good move can be a stressful thing, so do your best to keep the lines of communication open with your family members. Also, take time to take care of yourself. You may not feel like you can do so, with so much to do for everyone and everything else, but it is essential. It's also good to remember that everyone needs help sometimes, so please, accept help that is offered.

God bless.

Recovering from Disaster

Apartments/Rentals/other Temporary Housing

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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