Updated: November 25, 2015
Originally Published: April 9, 2014
I wouldn’t exactly qualify as a domestic expert. My educational background didn’t include any courses on housekeeping, and the art of brewing coffee or ironing remains a mystery to me. While I’ve developed some clever techniques for managing wrinkles using dryer tricks and steam from the shower, the struggle of maintaining order in a house filled with four kids—three of whom are boys—a dog, and a cat is real. My standards for cleanliness have diminished significantly over the years.
As I navigate the chaos of daily life at home—acknowledging that my partner helps out but works long hours and seems oblivious to the mess left by our little ones—I face certain recurring irritations that test my patience. While a glass of wine might be the usual remedy, I often find solace in a tub of Nutella and a spoon. Let’s just say that Nutella and various beverages will continue to thrive as long as I’m the one running this household, and my children remain resistant to any form of persuasion.
Here are six common items that are likely to send me spiraling into frustration, if not into an existential crisis:
- Toothpaste: To keep a closer eye on my kids, they brush their teeth in our bathroom. Despite trying every possible toothpaste option, the result is the same: toothpaste splattered all over the sink daily. I’ve surrendered to keeping disinfectant wipes handy to avoid the unpleasant surprise of sticky goo on my clothes.
- Juice Box Straw Wrappers: I’m convinced that the path to frustration is paved with juice box straw wrappers. These pesky items stick to everything—they cling to the floor, the couch, and my own clothing. My solution has been to store juice boxes out of reach to prevent any home consumption from my little ones.
- Band-Aid Wrappers: Children seem to delight in the ritual of applying Band-Aids to all sorts of minor injuries, both real and imaginary. However, I am the only person in the house who seems to dispose of the wrappers. The Band-Aids reside in my bathroom cabinet, so I often discover these annoying remnants stuck to surfaces around my space.
- Dirty White Socks: With three boys and my husband, the house is a haven for discarded white athletic socks. They seem to end up everywhere—left behind in various rooms until our dog decides to scatter them around the house. I often dream of mountains of mismatched socks that never fit anyone properly.
- Shoelaces: My older boys have declared velcro shoes to be babyish, yet they struggle with their laces. Half the time, they walk around with loose laces trailing behind them or in complicated knots. If I have to remind my eldest to tie his shoes one more time, I may just lose my sanity. Honestly, if they opted for velcro for life, I wouldn’t mind at all.
- Toilets: I’ll spare you the details on this one—just know that it is a universally acknowledged struggle.
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In conclusion, managing a household filled with kids and pets is no small feat. The daily challenges can often feel overwhelming, but knowing that other mothers face similar hurdles can provide a sense of solidarity.