Becoming the cool family in the neighborhood

Who doesn't want to be the cool family in the neighborhood? It is a great way to make new friends, to always know what your kids are up to, and to enjoy your free time. So, what can you do to become the "cool" family in the neighborhood? Try the following:

1. Be open to your neighbors. You can't be the cool family in the neighborhood if no one knows you. So, be the one to take the first step to get to know your neighbors. It is always a good idea to give them a call and invite them over for games, dessert, or some other activity. Additionally, be sure that you always say hi when you see them around the neighborhood, or out in public. Take the time to let them know that you notice them and care enough to acknowledge them and ask how they are doing. Getting to know them means asking questions and listening to the answers. If your neighbor says they have been out of town taking care of their sick parent, the next time you see them make sure you ask about that parent's health. People think you are cool if they feel appreciated and liked by you. So, be the cool family by being the kind of people that are open and inviting, and always welcoming people into your home, whether it is to have dinner with you, to talk about nothing, or to play a game of cards, etc.

2. Do not be judgmental. You can't be the cool family in the neighborhood if no one wants to be around you because they feel judged. If they feel looked down upon, or like you are scrutinizing their actions, they are going to avoid you. No one likes to feel like they are being looked down on. So, make sure that you are accepting of people and their differences. Sometimes this means accepting people of different race, culture, and belief into your home. You may have friends that are gay, that are Argentinean, that are from polygamist cults, or from small farm towns. The point is, you will never be the cool family if you judge people. It is okay to be somewhat exclusive, or keep people out of your home that may pose a risk to your family, etc. but it is not okay to place yourself above people. If you do, you won't be the cool family, you will be the stuck up family.
3. Be fun. Make your house fun. If you want to be the cool family, there has to be something that makes people want to spend time there. This might be a game room with pool, ping pong, and foosball, or it might just be that you play board games. The point is, you have to be fun people and make people want to be around you! Be nice, be attentive, and be genuine.
Being the cool house or the cool family is a matter of being the kind of people that others want to be around.