After returning from our latest family getaway, I faced a daunting pile of unfinished schoolwork that needed my attention before the week started. As I glanced at the chaotic scenes on my kitchen counter and dining table, I felt overwhelmed. To regain control and actually get some work done, I knew I had to tackle the mess. It was time to sort through the clutter, shred old papers, and deal with the multitude of little items buried beneath the chaos I had allowed to accumulate.
I’m not claiming to be the model of cleanliness. Most weekends, I’m just happy if I manage to finish the laundry, load the dishwasher, and put fresh sheets on the beds. That being said, I do yearn for a tidy home. However, as a working mom striving for quality family time while pursuing my own writing, keeping my house immaculate is often out of reach.
What typically happens to those new items after we bring them home? They end up in the trash.
I also have a particular struggle with paperwork. I’ve always had a hard time letting go of paper. I may blame my father for instilling in me a reluctance to discard anything that could be useful someday, but I realize that my tendency to create towering piles isn’t entirely his fault. Like many educators, I find it difficult to part with anything that might serve a purpose later. I know there are creative and efficient ways to organize everything, but often my emotions complicate the decision-making process about what to keep and what to toss.
Perhaps it’s my heightened awareness of my own flaws or my desire for order in a chaotic environment, but I’ve become increasingly frustrated with clutter.
When You Have Children, Clutter Seems to Multiply
There are numerous reasons for this annoyance, starting with my own disorganized systems. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stepped on a broken toy, injuring myself and prompting its immediate disposal. Our pets have also claimed some favorite toys as their own. I’ve watched arguments ensue over fairness when one child receives a treat while the other feels left out. Countless bags of items have been purged from bedrooms and countertops, with the discarded items often making their way to donation bins.
Then there are those little trinkets that never seem to make it upstairs, leaving me to decide their fate.
These trinkets come from various sources. We frequently bring home crafts and prizes from school events and church activities. Each dental visit ends with a trip to the treasure chest. During busy weeks, kids’ meals often come with little toys that hold their interest for mere moments. There are also party favors from friends’ birthday celebrations, and my partner, Alex, and I occasionally return from conferences with vendor giveaways.
If we’re fortunate, these items find their way into our kids’ rooms before they either break or get tossed out during one of my cleaning frenzies.
Prioritizing Experiences Over Disposable Items
With December upon us, the holiday season is just around the corner. Our children will be inundated with goody bags from school and church parties, and we’ll be tempted by aisles of stocking stuffers that could derail our well-planned holiday budget. What are the chances that these new acquisitions will find their way into the trash within a week?
What if we collectively decided that enough is enough? What if we stopped buying cupcakes adorned with cheap toys or rings? What if we were more thoughtful with our stocking stuffers, opting for treats or items that last longer than a few days? What if we chose to teach our kids the importance of quality over quantity, embracing experiences rather than material possessions?
I know I might be suggesting something unrealistic. After all, I’ve promised Alex for years that I’d tackle the paper piles, yet here we are. But can’t we at least agree to be more mindful of our spending habits, the environment, and our kids’ values? Can we support one another in making these changes?
I’m committed to making this effort. Our children deserve a better environment, we deserve a more manageable home, and our planet certainly needs our attention.
Isn’t that reason enough to strive for improvement this holiday season? For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post on Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, you can explore resources on intrauterine insemination for those interested in pregnancy and family planning. And for a deeper understanding of the intersection of faith and family, visit Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
In the midst of holiday chaos, it’s crucial to reflect on our consumption habits, especially regarding the influx of plastic trinkets that often end up discarded. By prioritizing meaningful experiences over disposable items, we can create a more intentional environment for our families and contribute positively to our planet.