Hey, parents! It’s essential to establish boundaries and not let your kids expect you to be their personal maid. I have three children, and since early March, we’ve been in voluntary isolation to help combat the spread of COVID-19. While we’re committed to doing our part, the mess they create is unreal.
Typically, our family is busy with school and work, which gives our home a chance to breathe. Now, however, we’re all here nonstop, and the chaos is relentless—our living space often resembles a disaster zone filled with toys, clothes, and yes, snack wrappers galore.
I’m not a domestic goddess like Martha Stewart or Joanna Gaines, and I don’t aim to be. We live in our home, and while I can handle a few chores left undone, total disarray isn’t something I can tolerate. It heightens my anxiety, and with no maid to help, the cleanup falls to us.
I could easily tidy up after everyone once they’re in bed. In fact, it might be faster than doing it with the kids. But allowing them to lounge while I clean is not an option. I refuse to be their maid. I’m their mom, and my role is to guide them, not to be a personal servant. If I took on all the cleaning solo, I’d never experience a moment where I feel “off duty.” The mental load of parenting is already heavy; the physical tasks need to be shared for my sanity.
Teaching my kids how to clean and maintain a household is crucial. I’m not suggesting they should do all the work while I sit back; rather, we all share this space, and everyone should contribute. They won’t be living with me forever, and these skills are essential for adulthood. If I don’t actively involve them in chores, they might grow up thinking that clean clothes magically appear in their drawers or that meals prepare themselves.
Both my husband and I were taught by our parents how to take care of ourselves and our homes. As a result, he doesn’t view housework as solely my responsibility; he sees it as a collective duty. It’s imperative that our children understand that maintaining a home is everyone’s responsibility.
Learning to work together is vital for family unity. Everyone needs to contribute, whether it’s picking up a snack wrapper or putting their clothes in the hamper. If you see a mess, don’t wait for someone else to clean it up—just do it. If one of the kids makes an enormous mess, then yes, they should handle it, but for everyday tasks, it’s about teamwork.
Encouraging kids to pitch in fosters self-esteem and trust. For instance, my youngest has been helping carry groceries inside for a while now. Recently, I had him open some snack boxes and place them in the basket. He was so proud of himself for accomplishing this task. It’s not just about putting snacks away; it’s about teaching them they can do things independently and that I trust them.
If you haven’t been asking your kids to help, now is the time to start. Assign age-appropriate tasks, and gradually increase their responsibilities. Don’t stress about what chores others think your child should do; focus on what they can handle based on their abilities.
Letting your children treat you like their maid isn’t necessary. Expecting them to contribute is beneficial for everyone involved. For more insight on this topic, check out this blog post on Home Insemination Kit. If you’re looking for authoritative information, Intracervical Insemination is a great resource. Additionally, WebMD offers excellent guidance on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, it’s crucial for parents to set boundaries with their children regarding household responsibilities. By involving kids in chores, not only do we lighten our own loads, but we also equip them with essential life skills and foster a sense of teamwork within the family.