Maintaining a tidy home with kids around feels like an impossible task. I often wonder how some parents manage to keep their homes spotless while juggling the chaos of toddler life. Perhaps they have secret cleaning spells or employ a staff of housekeepers. Since having children, my approach to housekeeping has shifted dramatically, and I’ve learned to embrace the mess. Here are 20 techniques I’ve changed since becoming a parent:
- Dusting
Living in a dry climate means dust accumulates quickly, and I can see it drifting through sunbeams like tiny fairies bringing chaos to my surfaces. I dust with a cloth, but as soon as I finish, it seems I must begin again. It’s a never-ending cycle. - De-cluttering
My kitchen counter resembles a hoarder’s paradise. It’s a constant struggle to keep it clear of clutter, which seems to regenerate overnight, much like my children’s toy collection. - Mopping
In the past, I mopped every other night. Now, I only do it when there are spills or accidents. The floors seem to attract crumbs and chaos like a magnet, so I focus on sanity. - Sweeping
I find myself sweeping multiple times a day. The amount of food debris my children generate is astonishing; it’s like they’re feeding an army. - Vacuuming
While I enjoy vacuuming for its instant gratification, I rarely find the time. When I do manage to vacuum, it feels like a celebration, complete with imaginary parades, because it’s such a rare event. - Bathroom Cleaning
My bathroom cleaning habits have become quite sporadic, primarily taking place during urgent situations or when guests are about to arrive. I often find myself performing emergency clean-ups in a panic. - Laundry
Laundry used to be a simple task, but now it feels like a huge undertaking. What was once a manageable chore has transformed into an insurmountable mountain of clothes, often piling up for weeks. - Washing Sheets
I used to wash sheets regularly, but that’s faded since welcoming my third child. Now, the only time they get washed is when someone has an accident. - Dishes
Dishes are my nemesis; they multiply faster than I can wash them. A good day involves unloading the dishwasher in the morning, while a bad day results in an avalanche of dirty sippy cups by nightfall. - Window Washing
I can easily ignore dirty windows until they obstruct my view so much that I wonder if it’s foggy outside. Cleaning windows is a chore I’d rather avoid. - Litter Box Maintenance
Once a daily routine, cleaning the litter box has become a forgotten task. It’s only when I can no longer ignore it that I take action, sometimes opting for a fresh start. - Trash Removal
I have to stay on top of trash removal to avoid any suspicions from family members. When the bin is full, I resort to creative packing strategies or enlist the help of my children to manage it. - Oven Cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens are my best friends. They don’t do all the work, but they save me from the aftermath of my cooking disasters. - Refrigerator Cleaning
I wait until my fridge is practically a science experiment before cleaning it out. I own many storage containers, so I can afford to procrastinate. - Pantry Organization
My pantry is a chaotic space that mystifies me. I can’t recall when it last looked organized, and the thought of tackling it seems overwhelming. - Garage Maintenance
The garage is my husband’s domain. I occasionally help out by tidying up but prefer to leave it to him. - Toy Cleanup
I’ve adopted a drastic method for toy cleanup—bagging them up for donation. It’s a quick solution to reclaim some space. - Bed Making
I often question the necessity of making beds. Does anyone still do this? - Yard Work
I don’t mind gardening, but only when there’s someone to supervise my children. Otherwise, it turns into a game of dodge-the-lawnmower. - Closet Organization
Closets are just as chaotic as my pantry. After sifting through piles of clothes, I often end up tossing things into laundry for weeks.
I often feel overwhelmed by the perpetual clutter, but I’ve come to accept that this is simply a phase of life. One day, I hope to have a clean house again, free of toys and messes. For now, I embrace the chaos—time is precious, and our family’s experiences take precedence over a spotless home.
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Summary
As a parent, I’ve adapted my housekeeping strategies to fit the chaos of family life. While my standards for cleanliness have changed, I’ve learned to prioritize time spent with my children over maintaining a pristine home. Embracing this stage of life allows me to focus on what truly matters.