Parenting
Don’t stress, parents—your cluttered bathroom is perfectly normal.
You might panic when guests are on their way, but it’s not over the dirty dishes in the sink. They can overlook the scuffed baseboards and the quirky art your kids have drawn on the walls. Sure, they might notice the dust that seems to have settled since the last presidential inauguration, but who has the time (or energy!) to climb a ladder and dust those high shelves? The mystery stain on the carpet? That’s just part of life. The toy chaos? Rubber swords in the dining room, wooden soldiers in the living room, and Legos strewn everywhere—those are hazards we all accept. Guests will see it all and adapt. But when it comes to cleaning the bathroom, that’s where the anxiety really kicks in.
There’s a strange social norm that dictates that bathrooms should gleam like they’ve been touched by a magic cleaning unicorn. Look, folks: You can have little ones and a pristine bathroom, but you can’t have both. As long as the toilet is scrubbed and nothing is sprouting, you’re in a good place. Guests will use your bathroom and feel at home, even with toys strewn about the tub.
If you haven’t grasped this as a parent yet, just wait until you’ve got kids who can’t clean up after themselves. When you toss your little ones into a lukewarm bath to scrub off the grime, they’ll inevitably ask for toys—things to pour, splash, and create a watery mess. Dinosaurs, fish, and other unidentifiable creatures will fill your tub. Then, just when you think you’re done, chaos erupts: one child is pouring water out while another is trying to “drown” their sibling. You’ll rush them out, grab towels, and the toys? They’ll be forgotten until you’re too exhausted to care. Sound familiar? It’s how we all do it.
Normal: Your vanity resembles a beauty counter explosion.
Whether it looks like a Sephora or a mishmash of various makeup brands, your cosmetic stash might be more chaotic than organized. Old makeup from college might still be lurking in the corner (hey, that gold shimmer was a classic!). Your partner’s deodorant is probably crammed in there too, claiming his territory amidst the beauty chaos.
Normal: Your kids have toothbrushes scattered everywhere.
You and your partner have your own toothbrushes, but your kids? They each have at least two, decked out in their favorite pop culture themes. They’ll leave their toothbrushes on the sink instead of putting them in the holder, despite your reminders. Kids will be kids.
Normal: Your bathroom floor is a minefield of items.
Clothes? Yep, they’ll end up on the floor. Towels? Even if hooks are available, the floor seems to be the preferred drying method for everyone else in the house. And let’s not forget the array of toys and books that accumulate during those extended bathroom visits—because kids can’t resist turning a quick trip into an adventure.
Normal: Your decor is an eclectic mix with no cohesive theme.
Perhaps your bathroom has some semblance of color coordination, but between toddler mishaps and the random hand towels from various life stages, it’s hard to maintain a stylish look. The mismatched bath towels and well-worn shower curtain are all part of the charm.
Normal: Dust and rust everywhere.
Dust bunnies might be gathering on your mirror, and the window sills? They’ve probably seen better days. And those shower caddies? They’ve left a rust mark that needs serious attention, but when you have a moment to breathe, you’re more likely to escape to a quiet room with a book (which you haven’t read in ages) than scrub away the grime.
Listen, your bathroom is just fine. Give the toilet a quick scrub, ensure there’s some toilet paper, and toss in a clean hand towel. Your bathroom is perfectly acceptable for guests, especially those with kids. Because let’s face it, real life is chaotic, and our bathrooms reflect that beautifully.
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Summary
Your messy bathroom is not a reflection of your parenting skills but rather a testament to the beautiful chaos of family life. Embrace the clutter and remember that it’s perfectly normal for your home to be a little disheveled; after all, you’re doing your best in the whirlwind of parenthood.