When naptime rolls around at my home, you might find me lounging on the patio in my swimsuit, enjoying the warm sunshine. Alternatively, I might be nestled in our guest house, engrossed in a book and sipping a hot cup of coffee. Depending on my mood and the weather, I could be in various spots around the house, but one thing is certain: I won’t be upright. My eyes may be open, but my energy levels have definitely taken a dip. And I. Will. Not. Be. Cleaning.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. I’m the type of person who scrubs the countertops and tackles laundry every day. All in all, I dedicate at least an hour and a half daily to cooking and cleaning, not even counting errands, grocery shopping, or scheduling appointments. So how do I manage to fit it all in?
It’s pretty straightforward: when my little one is awake. After breakfast, I tidy up the kitchen and start preparing lunch. We read stories and engage in letter activities together. After that, I toss in a load of laundry, vacuum, and scrub the bathrooms. We go on an outing, then return for lunch and nap — and during that time, as you might guess, I’m not cleaning.
As soon as naptime is over, we dive into nonfiction books, and then I tackle making beds, washing dishes, folding laundry, sweeping, mopping, and handling any other tasks that need attention. Afterward, we head out again and return home to play with puzzles or play dough before dinner, after which I clean the kitchen once more.
So, What’s My Child Doing While I’m Busy with Housework?
The answer: whatever she pleases. I’m not overly concerned. Sometimes she joins in, which turns into a delightful learning experience. Other times, she creates little beds for her stuffed animals or stacks blocks. Occasionally, I worry about the silence, but then I find her completely focused on figuring out how to button her sweater. If she cries, I might find a way to hold her while I work, or I’ll turn on some music, and before I know it, we’re having a mini dance party, which actually helps with the cleaning process.
Do I Feel Like a Bad Mother?
I take time for myself while my child naps and prioritize chores when she’s awake. Shouldn’t I be cleaning during her naptime so I can devote my full attention to her once she’s up? Or maybe I should let the house get messy because parenting is tough and “the dishes can wait, but childhood is fleeting?”
Let me tell you: the dishes cannot wait. We need them again, and a disorganized house stresses me out and puts my partner in a bad mood. We both want our home to be a peaceful retreat, and we strive to foster that atmosphere for our children too.
I spend ample quality time with my daughter, focusing solely on her. We explore new flowers and insects in the garden, create art, and read a plethora of books. We rarely indulge in screen time, and when we do, it’s usually watching National Geographic clips of baby penguins—together. I considered tallying the hours I spend playing with her to share, but I don’t feel the need to. I’m confident that I’m providing more than enough quality interaction.
The Benefits of Involving My Child in Housework
When my child observes me doing chores, several positive outcomes arise. She often gets involved, allowing me to teach her practical skills like loading the washer, folding clothes, washing dishes, and understanding where everything belongs in our home. Children flourish in an organized environment where they know where to locate items. Most importantly, she will grow up with a fundamental appreciation for the value of housework. I want her to understand that hard work is important and to respect her surroundings. We need to demonstrate these values if we hope to instill them in our children.
So, while my toddler naps, I’ll continue to recharge my energy, and when she wakes, I’ll keep tidying up while she engages in her own activities.
Further Reading
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In summary, I balance my responsibilities as a mother and homemaker by using naptime wisely and allowing my child to engage independently while I tackle cleaning tasks. This approach not only keeps our home organized but also teaches my daughter valuable life skills.