I am wondering how you get things done in your day. I mean I have some of it down to a science, when to shower, how much time I have to get ready in the morning etc, but when it comes to trying to clean the house, I just haven't figured out how to do this with Jackson.
It seems I usually end up turing on a movie or waiting until he goes down for a nap to clean, but these aren't great ideas most of the time, simply because I want Jackson's naptime to be used for other purposes and the movie idea...I just feel like a terriable Mom to put him in front of the T.V. too often.
So then what do you do with your kids while you clean? Do you not worry if you clean one room and then it becomes a mess as he head into the next room? It can be so frusterating to me.
Also, do you have a specific day that you clean or do you just do certain rooms or areas on one day and then do more on another day? I really could use some advice. I know this is a busy time of year and everyone is involved with Holiday happenings, but if you do see this post...PLEASE HELP!
Thanks for the help and time anyone that does happen to get a second.
10 comments:
I do specific chores on specific days. Mondays are for laundry. Tuesday are hardwood floors. Wednesday is vacuuming. Thursday is bathrooms. Friday is "putting things back where they go". Saturday is for stuff that doesn't need to be done in specific time frames, like cleaning out the refrigerator and stuff. Sometimes I do it during his naps, but I'm with you. I like to use naptime for something else. Here are a couple of thoughts: Tidying up and cleaning are 2 different things. So, dumping a bucketful of toys on the floor while you clean that room isn't going to be too bad. Just throw everything back in the bucket. Sometimes I save special activities that Sam can do at the highchair while I clean a room. Like when I dust our shelves in the living room and have to move breakables to the floor, I put Sam in his highchair with some paper and some markers. He gets messy, but he's a boy! He'll always get a bath later. He really likes that. I'll also use that same trick and clean during a snack time. I just dump some goldfish on the tray with a cup of water and he'll eat and watch me. The key is that he has to be in the same room as me at all times or he flips out, so I just make sure I have everything I need before I begin. Also remember, while you have little children in the house, it doesn't have to be spotless. It just needs to be tidy and to feel comfortable. A little dust on the top of a shelf isn't going to hurt anyone.
Good question! I let Brianna have a smaller broom so she can sweep beside me, otherwise she's into everything and crying because she wants my broom. I also try to get a lot done during her breakfast, shower, clean up the kitchen while we talk, etc. I've had a rough time trying to keep the house clean enough to show for selling/renting purposes. I also let her have special toys that she doesn't usually get so I can get stuff done too. I leave all the stuff with chemicals that she could touch or get into when she's asleep or someone else is around to distract her. My house isn't nearly as clean as it used to be, so I try not to get frustrated and focus on one or 2 chores a day! Good luck!
You're not alone! I think it is every mom's struggle. I used to really have specific days that I made myself get stuff done. Lately, I just have to do it when I get the chance. Susie isn't always very thrilled about me cleaning. Sometimes I will spend about 30-45 minutes at night after the kids go to bed and get stuff done that seems impossible during the awake hours--vacuumming, bathrooms, floors, etc.). It seems to be a time that works well. It gives Kevin a moment to watch a TV show I don't watch or play the x-box. That way he has his time, and I still have that break I need in the middle of the day. Also, when I'm finished, kids aren't going to start waking up from naps. I still have a couple hours to spend as I please. I agree there is a difference in tidying up and cleaning. Tidying is a snap! Let Jackson play with his toys while you clean. Toys are quick to put away and something he can easily help with. Also, I don't know if Jackson is interested, but lately Susie has fun "helping" me with laundry. She hands me the clothes so I can fold them. I'm all about doing as much as I can while they are awake, but it isn't easy. Good luck! Can't wait to see you!
Oh ya...one more thing. Sometimes you just have to settle for less than you were hoping for. Taking care of kids is our number one priority! As long as Jackson is happy at the end of the day, you have been successful!
I have no advice, but I've heard several people say that they follow the fly lady's recommendations. Her website is flylady.net. I struggle with keeping things clean and I don't have any kids in the house right now!
i suggest living in a tiny apartment, that way it can all be clean in 30 minutes!! sorry, that's all i have. i know how you feel!
Michelle, send your brother's email my way. We're moving to the Rancho Cordova area. Since our other car died last week, we're down to one, so we have to live close enough to the office so I can drop Chad off and pick him up from work! If he knows that area at all, it would be very helpful.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you....EVERYONE! I really appreciate the help. I am going to try to have more patience and try cleaning areas on specific days/chores on specific days. If anyone else has anything to add feel free. :)
I've started doing the same thing--dividing up different chores on different days. I use to love getting all the cleaning done in one day, but it's impossible now, becuase it would take me ALL DAY LONG with two boys going right behind me and undoing it all!
But a couple of things that seem to help me...
For some reason, the kitchen has to be clean for me--if the kitchen is clean, I feel the whole house is clean. I always try to clean the kitchen when the boys are eating breakfast. It's so nice when Emerson is in his high chair and I can just deep clean everything.
As far as vacuuming goes--the boys are usually so fascinated by it that the vacuum is entertainment in and of itself! So that is usually not a problem.
I try to involve them as much as I can and give them little jobs to keep them busy. All the straigtening and picking up toys I have them help me. Owen loves picking up and Emerson has started to put things away in baskets too. I try to make it fun by turning on music and we go from room to room picking things up. Jackson still might be kind of young to fully help, but he will quickly grasp onto the idea.
Obviously, that doesn't work very well with cleaning the bathrooms. Emerson is playing in the toilet and dumping out the mopping water! So, I usually try to do bathrooms really quick while they are in the next room playing--if I"m quick they don't get bored, or sometimes I just have to do it when they are asleep. IT's easiest then.
Laundry--owen loves to help me fold it and tell me whose clothes item it is, and Emerson just loves to dive in it, so usually it keeps them occupied!
Anyways, I don't have any fabulous tips, but I think the biggest thing I try to do is get it done while they are awake and involve them as much as I can. If I take a little time and slow down and give them things to keep busy, it's worth it becuase then I have nap time to have some "me time!" Mopping the kitchen floor is the most frusturating thing for me becuase
I have to do it when they aren't around (to tip over the bucket and slip and slide everywhere) but then inevitably something is spilled onto the floor at the next meal! It's a lost cause!
anyways, good luck!
Wow! Michelle, I'm so glad you posted this blog--we all have benefited from the responses, that is for sure! I know Sophia likes to be helping. When I have to sort through piles of paper (I hope I'm not the only one who lets that clutter up) I give her the pieces that are going to be thrown out in her own pile to sort. If I'm cleaning my room I let her sit on my bed and play while I work around her. If I'm doing the dishes, she is in charge of the spoons. Those are a few of the tricks I've discovered.
Thanks!
Post a Comment