It’s remarkable how some parents manage to maintain a spotless home while raising toddlers. I can only assume they have secret powers or a dedicated cleaning service in place. For those of us who don’t share this gift, keeping a clean house has become a monumental challenge since having children. The days are short, and the to-do lists are long, leaving little time for thorough cleaning. It often feels like a never-ending cycle of tidying up after tiny tornadoes—my living room looks like a disaster zone at any given moment, and I’m pretty sure toys multiply in the presence of children. Sure, I might manage to throw in a load of laundry, but more often than not, it ends up languishing in the washer for days, serving as a testament to my parenting struggles.
Even when I make a concerted effort to tidy up—usually for unexpected guests—the cleanliness is fleeting. My standards have adjusted significantly, with my threshold for “mess” now bordering on chaos. As long as the bathroom doesn’t resemble a science experiment, I’m generally okay with the state of things. Here are some of the housekeeping techniques I’ve changed since welcoming kids:
- Dusting: Living in a dry climate means dust is a constant companion. I can practically see the dust particles dancing in the sunlight, settling on every surface. By the time I finish dusting, it seems I’m ready to start all over again.
- De-cluttering: My kitchen counter has become a black hole for clutter. I could clean it off entirely, and it would somehow refill itself almost instantly, as if it has a mind of its own.
- Mopping: I once mopped the floors nightly, but by morning they looked like a food festival had occurred. To maintain my sanity, I now reserve mopping for when there’s an actual mess—like a potty accident or spilled juice.
- Sweeping: I find myself sweeping several times a day, not out of a desire for cleanliness, but to combat the mountain of crumbs and snack remnants left in the wake of my children.
- Vacuuming: I enjoy vacuuming—it’s a quick fix for a messy space. However, it rarely happens, so when it does, it feels like a momentous occasion worthy of celebration.
- Cleaning Bathrooms: This task occurs only when certain conditions are met: after a potty accident, when guests are on their way, or when surprise visitors arrive, necessitating a quick wipe-down of surfaces.
- Laundry: Once a simple chore, laundry has morphed into a weekly mountain of clothing that takes on a life of its own. What should be a manageable task often balloons into a daunting pile.
- Washing Sheets: The frequency of washing sheets has dwindled significantly since the arrival of my third child. Now it only happens if there’s a bedwetting incident.
- Dishes: I detest doing dishes. Unfortunately, they require attention multiple times a day. A “good” day consists of keeping the dishwasher running smoothly; a “bad” day looks like a mountain of dirty sippy cups.
- Washing Windows: I often pretend the dirt doesn’t exist until it gets so bad I can’t see out of them anymore.
- Cleaning the Litter Box: This used to be a daily task. Now, it sometimes gets neglected until I have no choice but to start from scratch with a new box.
- Taking Out the Trash: I can’t let trash pile up in the house, especially with family visits looming. I often have to cram trash bags down or recruit a child to help haul it away.
- Oven Cleaning: Self-cleaning ovens are a lifesaver—though the smell of burning food is less pleasant. It’s a necessary evil.
- Refrigerator Cleaning: I wait until my fridge resembles a science experiment before finally tackling this chore, which is a reflection of my not-so-great organization skills.
- Pantry Organization: My pantry is a chaotic mix of snacks and expired items that I only tackle when I can no longer find what I need.
- The Garage: This space is primarily my husband’s domain. I’ll occasionally sweep up or return misplaced tools, but that’s where I draw the line.
- Picking Up Toys: This often means stuffing toys into a trash bag and donating them—out of sight, out of mind.
- Making Beds: Is this a thing people still do? I rarely bother.
- Yard Work: I don’t mind trimming the grass or pulling weeds, but only if someone else is entertaining my kids.
- Closet Organizing: Closets end up as dumping grounds for clothing and forgotten toys, creating an overwhelming mess.
At times, the clutter can feel overwhelming. However, I’ve learned to accept that this is just the phase of life I’m in right now. Someday, I’ll have a clean home free of toys and food scraps. For now, the mess signifies the joy and chaos of family life. Time is a precious commodity, and we prioritize being present over maintaining a pristine house.
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