Ah, tidiness—a topic that can spark a friendly debate among mothers. Let’s face it: some of us tend to be a bit messy, and that’s okay! I’ve always struggled with maintaining a clean space, a fact that often felt more shameful for me as a woman than it would for a man. During my college days, messy rooms were a non-issue for guys. They could casually leave laundry strewn about and have a kitchen that resembled a war zone without raising an eyebrow. But if a woman’s space looked like a tornado hit it, people would start to wonder if she was okay.
Traditionally, women are seen as the caretakers of home, expected to cultivate neat and inviting environments—places where friends could drop by, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a warm cup of tea. Unfortunately, I seem to have missed that memo. My single days were filled with piles of laundry—both clean and dirty—stacked high, dishes left to marinate in the sink for days, and a bathroom that received only the quickest of clean-ups. When guests arrived, I would scramble like a madwoman to create the illusion of tidiness, frantically washing laundry and scrubbing surfaces. Deep down, I knew I preferred a clean home; I just wasn’t motivated enough to put in the work.
Then, I had kids. Oh boy, did that change the game. It’s almost comical that someone who struggled to keep a one-person household tidy would now be tasked with maintaining a household of four, especially when two of those four seem to be mess-generating machines. Every step they take leaves chaos in their wake: sand from their shoes, clothes tossed about, crumbs scattered like confetti, and sticky spills creating a glue-like texture on the floor. The laundry piles up weekly, and the dirty dishes feel like they’re taunting me. For someone who once avoided washing even a single plate, the mess that children create feels like some twisted punishment.
But here’s the silver lining: I’m tidier now than I was back then. In my single days, I’d rate myself a 4 on a 1-10 tidiness scale. As a mother, I’m still a 4 on the Mom Tidiness Scale, but here’s the catch: that 4 represents a higher standard of cleanliness than it did when I was living alone. I’ve learned that if I don’t tackle the dishes promptly, they only multiply and become a bigger mess. I clear out backpacks and diaper bags as soon as they come through the door, knowing that tomorrow will only be tougher if I don’t. I’ve got a better grip on the laundry situation too. If I had put in this effort while living solo, my home would have been immaculate.
That said, I still find myself running out of energy by evening, collapsing on the couch while the ultra-tidy moms are busy picking up every last scrap of paper left behind after craft time. But at least I’m not living in filth. I hold out hope that once the kids are grown and flown, my newfound tidying habits will stick. Who knows? I might just end up being the cleanest resident at the nursing home!
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and tidiness, check out one of our other blog posts here. And if you’re considering home insemination, you can find reliable supplies at this reputable online retailer. Additionally, for those exploring family-building options, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while tidiness may not come naturally to everyone, it’s possible to improve and adapt, especially when kids come into the picture. So wherever you fall on the Mom Tidiness Scale, remember that you’re not alone in this journey!
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