With busy schedules, it isn’t easy to make time for one’s friends, family and oneself. Most people work late, come home tired, and go to bed.

Besides putting your health at stake, you are missing out on a lot of family time. And if you have children, you are depriving them of a parent’s love and affection.

Before this takes a toll, you must focus on building a positive home environment by balancing your personal and professional commitments.

Come home on time and have dinner with your family. Catch up with your children, ask about their day at school, or help your partner with dinner. Spend weekends playing with the kids or take them for outings.

Also focus on how the home environment affects your body by keeping the house clean. After all, it is your haven.

Here are five ways to build a positive and healthy home environment.

1. Communicate

Sometimes, children aren’t comfortable talking to their parents. Some think they will get scolded, while others don’t share a close bond. These barriers can create a lot of problems in families.

Your kids must know they can talk to you about anything without the fear of being judged. If your child is struggling with studies, discuss the problem. If your teen has started abusing substances, talk calmly instead of losing your temper.

Remember, your children want to feel secure and comfortable. Listen and give your full attention to ensure they feel heard and valued. It will allow them to trust you and talk about their feelings at every stage of their lives.

2. Respect one another

Respect plays an essential role in creating a positive family environment. While you might expect your children to respect you, you also have to demonstrate it in how you treat them.

Speak respectfully to your kids – no shouting or insults. Banging doors or stomping out the room has never solved any problems.

Likewise, behave towards others with respect, so your kids can channel that behaviour.

Moreover, respect one another’s differences. Your teen might be athletic, while your preteen might be a bookworm. Instead of comparing them, make them feel valued for their unique capabilities.

3. Encourage self-love

Whenever you talk negatively about yourself, it is easy to forget your children are listening, and it affects them. They, too, start finding flaws in their physical appearance, leading to body-image issues.

Encourage self-love and make a conscious effort to avoid negative words about yourself or anyone. Explain to your kids how everyone is beautiful in their own way instead of creating unrealistic benchmarks. It will instill confidence and make them feel valued.

4. Respect everyone’s privacy

Sharing emotions is essential, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy. If your teen doesn’t feel like talking about a rough day at school, give them time. It would help them sort out their feelings and become stronger.

Creating more space can also be a great idea. Once your teen starts growing up, give them separate bedrooms. It instills independence and autonomy crucial to growing and feeling confident.

Lastly, avoid intrusive behaviour such as listening in on their telephone conversations, looking through their stuff, or checking their email, as it would cause them to lose trust in you.

5. Show affection

No matter how busy you get, don’t forget to show love to everyone at home. This doesn’t mean you have to regularly get them gifts; saying “I love you” would be enough.

Share affection with your children and partner with hugs and kisses. It will make your family feel loved, appreciated, and happy.

Also, praise your children whenever it is due. Reinforce what they are doing with positive feedback, and congratulate them on their little achievements. Appreciation enhances self-esteem and motivates positive behaviour.

Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.