Embrace the Chaos: Modern Motherhood unplugged
I had planned on writing a very different post about how to keep your house clean while still being an awesome mum and spending quality time with your kids but despite all of my attempts it wasn't happening. So here it is, my white flag, surrendering to the mess that is and most likely will be until both of my children are in school 😊
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I love a good kitchen bench pile but before having kids I used to get organised and give my house a good clean at least once a week. Nowadays getting the washing and dishes done before the bath/dinner/bed time routine begins is quite an achievement 💃
I have tried many different things, including staying up late, doing more on hubby's days off and writing lists upon lists of which order to do things but I either end up exhausted, stressed or unhappy or all three! Who wants that?
So if you're like me and you're struggling to keep up with the housework in between kids activities and being a mum, it's time to embrace the chaos and be kind to yourself. Your kids will only be young for a little while and the house stuff will get done when it gets done (The old spray and wipe ads come to mind) 🤣
On top of the demands that we already place on ourselves, sometimes other people may find it difficult to deal with this new found mess, if this is the case, either ask them to fold the washing or better yet put a sock in it. Nobody knows the demands of modern motherhood and your household like you do so don't let them get you down. You are doing the best you can and in the blink of an eye your kids will be bigger (and they can help 😜) and you will have a clean house again.
Happy kids, happy mum
I love being a mum more than anything in this world but it sure does make it hard to get things done. Despite hubby finding it somewhat difficult to climb over toys as he tries to get something from the fridge most nights, my kids are happy and that's what matters most to me (sorry hunny). Don't get me wrong, I still suffer from mum guilt, but I think it would be worse if I put myself under pressure to have a perfectly clean house as well as keep the kids fed, clean and entertained.
Keep yourself in check
If you do find yourself getting obsessed with the house or cleaning, give yourself a little reality check and ask yourself, is this really important? If the answer is no, stop and take a break or sit and play with your kids because they won't be little forever. If the answer is yes, you haven't listened to a word that I've said 😝
I have to remind myself of this everyday and when I act on it I feel so much better, my kids are happy and I'm happy and the important stuff still gets done. The rest will still be there tomorrow.
Stay happy,
Pam xx
If you are finding day to day life getting a bit too much there is help available,
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - https://www.panda.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in The Practical Parent
Trust your gut: It's called motherly instinct for a reason
Two years ago my son woke with what I believed was a swollen cheek. He was 17 months old, so I assumed that it might have been related to teething.
We went about our normal day...I still didn't feel right about it so I called our GP and booked an appointment for that day. They weren't sure what had happened but mentioned that although unlikely, he may have had a stroke and that we should go to the hospital.
Burping a Newborn: Why, When, How and What if...?
Burping your baby can be a lovely opportunity to bond but it can also be a very frustrating experience if your newborn is unsettled. Be patient as you learn what your baby needs and likes and what makes them feel better and remember that every baby is different so something that may work for one baby may not work for another.
Pamela Mercer
Author