My house isn’t perfect. I achieve that about once a year and it lasts about 3.2 minutes.
Know what? I am okay with that.
Steve would tell you that I used to be pretty picky about how the house “had” to be if it was to be considered clean.
20 years of marriage and 4 children will change you.
I’ve learned to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy a “mostly” clean house.
Peace is so much more valuable than perfection.
- Peace soothes, Perfectionism stresses.
- Peace relaxes, Perfectionism screams.
- Peace is contentment, Perfectionism is never happy.
Being home with your children means that your home is well used. We get more money out of our square footage than most people do daily. Because we really LIVE here and it sure does look like it most days. I didn’t used to have this relaxed attitude.
Now I just have my MAIN 3 things to keep “Momma happy.”
- Floor—swept—we have mostly tile & hardwood
- Counters—cleared & wiped down—kitchen & bathrooms
- Things in their places
Attitude is EVERYTHING
We divide up the chores and share because there isn’t a cleaning lady coming to do the work. Then no one feel like a slave. When I assign chores to a child, we call it a doing a blessing. When the job is done it is a blessing to our home & family.
I used to do everything with that “poor me” attitude.
It would kill the pleasure in a job accomplished every time. Now I won’t tell you that this change happened overnight. It has taken years of accepting & realizing that my highest calling is working in my home.
Kids are learning the basics
Why? It is a life skill.
When? From the beginning
How? We have had them helping right along side us with doing dishes, cleaning, picking up and putting away. I like the rule--if you make a mess then clean it up.
Who? Everyone!!!!
It is NEVER too late!
When kids are little they want to help and it is a game to "play" with us. They don't see it as work.
If you can start young, work in small steps. If not, then start where you are at right now.
Make cleaning the kitchen fun. Think crazy music and a dance party to get all the work done. If you need to put away laundry, make it a race to see who can get done with their basket first. You might have to use your imagination but it is a great way to build memories with your kids as you move towards where you want to be.
Remember to keep the peace and loose the perfectionism!
Recent posts!
Don't miss a post by liking Day to Day Adventures Facebook page. To get our newsletter, sign up here.
