Choose colors that inspire and uplift moods

Ever since childhood, we have been asked, "What's your favorite color?" It turns out that personal preference may not be the only thing to consider when choosing color schemes for the home. Many colors are proven to have psychological effects that vary in intensity from one person to the next. A room with four yellow walls may provoke anxiety, while a single red wall can lift the mood and stimulate uplifting conversation. Pay attention to how you feel when visiting other homes or buildings. Take note of the effect your surroundings have on you and your family members. Thoughtfully choosing color combinations, patterns, and textures in furnishings can help create an uplifting atmosphere where family members are more inclined to demonstrate greater intelligence, kindness and patience, or simply have a better attitude.

Display artwork that balances comfort and style

Finding appropriate artwork and decorations for the home can be tricky. Many people adorn their homes with sentimental decorations acquired from travels or gifts from loved ones. Others may choose decorations and artwork based solely on their attractiveness rather than their sentimental value. Try to find a comfortable balance between the two. If keepsakes or gifts add to the atmosphere of a room, they should certainly be used. Souvenirs are perfect reminders of the experiences that have shaped your family. Artwork is typically a purchase based on attractiveness - for obvious reasons. If possible, try to find pieces that will gain meaning within your family. A store-bought portrait of a beautiful landscape, even if you've never visited it before, can represent your family's love of nature and gratitude for God's creations. If an abstract painting invokes feelings of peace, it may be just what your home needs.

Make family interaction the focal point of family rooms

The focus of family rooms has become the television. Replacing the historical fireplace as the focal point, flat screen televisions on swiveling wall mounts demand the attention of everyone in the room. Couches are positioned opposite it, accent chairs are angled toward it, and coffee tables are replaced with (or used as) foot stools to enhance the viewing experience. While television viewing may have its place in the home, it shouldn't be the primary function of the family room. Ask yourself if the arrangement of seats in your living spaces promote or discourage healthy interaction among family members. Is everyone facing an object or is the focus on each other? Furniture can easily be moved to accommodate movie night, so make interaction and togetherness the default setting of your family room.

The home is the hub of the family. At times it will be chaotic, noisy and messy. More often, it can be a place where family members are comfortable, uplifted and happy. Cultivate these feelings by making deliberate home décor choices that further the goals of your family life.

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Camping trip

Take your dog with you! Camping is a combination of most dogs' favorite activities - being with his people and being in the great outdoors. Remember to bring the dog leash and a solid stake to screw into the ground. Most campgrounds don't allow pets to roam free, so ensure the other campers are happy by keeping your dog on your site. If possible, it might be a good idea to bring the pet inside your tent or trailer with you overnight. You never know what wild animals are lurking nearby. One morning while camping, we woke up to find a skunk eating out of our dog's food dish. We were glad we had avoided a nasty (and smelly) run-in by keeping our dog inside the tent trailer. (We also realized it wasn't a good idea to leave dog food out over night!)

On the road

You've seen how most dogs like to travel: sitting shot gun, head out the window, slobbery tongue flapping in the wind. On family vacations, this seating arrangement probably won't work. Bring your dog's bed or a pile of old blankets. Train your dog ahead of time that wherever the bed is, he can be. Try to feed him only at rest stops, but keep the watering dish and a bottle of water close at hand in case your dog is ever thirsty between stops. Most dogs can "hold it" longer than most children (or Moms) can, so your dog shouldn't dictate how often you need to stop. That being said, whenever there is an opportunity, take your dog to a tree and see if he'll lift a leg. It will give you peace of mind if nothing else.

Theme parks

Most parks offer pet-sitting services where you can drop off your dog on the way into the park, then pick him up on your way back to the car. Research this ahead of time so you know what to expect. Some parks may offer only small kennels, while others offer large play areas and grooming services. Read reviews online if you can. You don't want to ruin your theme park experience by worrying all day about how your dog is being treated. Be sure to account for the costs of pet care when planning your vacation.

You might have to leave him home

For some family vacations, you simply can't pull off bringing a pet with you. Consider the option of leaving your sweet pooch home. You can always ask a friend or hire someone you trust to feed and walk your dog while you are away. Make sure your dog becomes familiar with this person several days before you leave. While on vacation, remember to check in with your sitter frequently. It can be hard leaving your precious pup at home, and he certainly won't like the idea. But true to the good nature of dogs, he will quickly forgive you - especially if you present him with a souvenir (treat) once you return.

Caring for a pet shouldn't stop you from planning memorable family vacations. Likewise, going on family vacations shouldn't stop you from caring for your pet. Valuable family time is often made sweeter by the presence of your friendly animal. So whenever possible, bring him along!

The post Family vacations: What should we do with the dog? appeared first on FamilyToday.