As the season of renewal unfolds, it’s that time again—when many of us are supposed to slip on our rubber gloves, scrub surfaces from top to bottom, and eliminate all unnecessary items from our lives. The concept of spring cleaning sounds appealing in theory, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t desire a pristine, clutter-free home? Let’s purge unwanted items and start fresh! But here’s the reality: achieving this is nearly impossible when you share your space with little tornadoes.
To be fair, my children, aged four and six, are still in the learning phase of maintaining cleanliness. My partner, while not a complete mess, has a different perspective on what constitutes “clean.” I can’t tolerate sticky jelly remnants on the kitchen counter for days on end, while he seems to have a higher tolerance for chaos.
In our current situation, I dedicate my weekends to cleaning. Although I attempt to stay on top of the dishes during the week, my job outside the home leaves little time for the never-ending cycle of fluffing pillows, picking up toys, and folding laundry. I’ve tried fitting it in during the evenings, but it often leads to frustration, and nobody wants to coexist with an irritable person. Thus, I reserve my cleaning fury for the weekends. I refer to it as “rage-cleaning” because it’s hard to remain calm when discovering an empty juice box wedged behind the sofa for the third consecutive week or finding dirty socks strewn three feet away from the laundry basket. It reeks of sheer laziness.
Every Saturday morning, I implement damage control, involving the entire family. I refuse to be the only one picking up after them when they know better. Armed with a chore list, they groan and complain while completing their tasks—albeit poorly. It’s draining to repeat this routine, but I’m not their maid, and they need to learn the basics of living like civilized individuals.
The Necessity of Spring Cleaning
Now, let’s circle back to spring cleaning. It’s a necessity in my household. Who knows when the floors were last mopped or the dust bunnies under the couch were evicted? With winter behind us, toys and clothes that no longer fit have piled up, and clutter is at an all-time high. Clutter makes my anxiety spike, so purging felt like the logical first step.
I was feeling quite accomplished after clearing out a closet, but then I stepped into the living room and realized my kids had taken full advantage of my distraction. In the mere 20 minutes I had spent organizing, they turned the living room into a disaster zone. This wasn’t just any ordinary mess; it was a category-five calamity. Every blanket and sheet from the linen closet was heaped on the floor, alongside every stuffed animal in the house. A large toy basket lay overturned at the foot of what I now called “Blanket Mountain,” where both children sat munching on Cheetos straight out of the bag.
I had to step outside for a moment to collect myself because, really? This is why spring cleaning is a monumental task when living with messy kids. While one room gets tidied, another is transformed into a new disaster area. The mess itself wasn’t insurmountable, but time is a luxury I can’t afford as a working mother. My kids can’t fold the blankets or vacuum the Cheetos crumbs without my assistance.
Instilling Respect for Our Home
My partner and I are making efforts to instill respect for our home and belongings in our children. We encourage them to pick up their toys after playtime and to eat at the table to prevent our furniture from becoming a Cheetos canvas. Yet, if I’m honest, it sometimes feels like they’ll never grasp these concepts. How many reminders does it take for someone to put their laundry in the hamper or their trash in the bin before it becomes second nature? I can assure you, the answer is far more than I ever anticipated before becoming a parent.
So, if you happen to visit me this spring and notice dusty baseboards, sticky floors, and an overwhelming amount of clutter, I apologize in advance. I have intentions of spring cleaning, but realistically, it may not happen until several years down the line when my children have outgrown their messy habits.
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Conclusion
In summary, spring cleaning can feel like a distant dream when you’re navigating the chaos of family life. Balancing work, parenting, and the desire for a tidy home presents a formidable challenge, especially when little ones are involved. Nonetheless, the hope for a clean space remains alive, even if it waits for a more opportune moment.