This should be an easy question to answer. But actions speak louder than words, especially to children. While we love home, we do schooling, doing chores, eating, and sleeping there, is that where fun is? Is that where the interesting learning takes place? Is that where laughter and peace reign? If not, you may be giving mixed signals.

I know a mom who loved visiting Chicago. Each week throughout the summer, she’d take her 8 children to ‘something’ in the big city. They often had free shows or discounts to museums and zoos. Then periodically through the school year, they would make other trips to town. No worry about parking as they could take the train for free. Yes, Chicago does have a lot to offer.

And her children grew up. The two eldest left home and moved to Chicago. The next two went to college there and moved away. They liked the big city far more than ‘doing nothing’ at home.

Compare that with mother number two. She had little to offer in the way of culture. Actually, they lived in many acres with no electricity, no cell service, and the only running water was from the creek. Yes, this was in 2005. She knew the children would grow and be curious about the world. But she wanted fond memories of home, a reason for them to come back.

So she built a wall. Missouri has lots of rocks, so she used what she had and built it 3.5 feet tall, next to the garden. Then she bought Quick Rite and slathered it on top. Before it hardened, she had each child place his handmark in the concrete, leaving their little marks. As they grew older, they would measure their hands. Her plan was moving along successfully. As they got older married, and had children of their own, the grandchildren would return to the old homestead, placing their own hands in the prints of their parents. What happy memories.

Do you speak well of your home? Or do you want to leave? Your children take their cues from you. Will they make a home similar to what they grew up in?