I'm in my early 20's with 2 beautiful children. They are 2 and almost 4 and are both really lovely kids.
My partner works 40 plus hours (and his shifts change all the time) and I am a stay at home mum. The house is ALWAYS MESSY and I really struggle to try and keep it in order. My partner helps a little but it doesn't matter how many times I've talked about me struggling with the house, he just doesn't get it. We've been out of our parents homes since we were 17 and both of us had everything done for us (I was made homeless at the time for personal reasons)
I've also been suffering from an eating disorder for almost 9 years and it leaves me physically and mentally exhausted. Even just doing a simple task of mopping/cleaning/scrubbing can leave me panting and tired for 30 minutes. I've been an inpatient at a clinic but I've since relapsed.
Does anyone have any tips to keeping a clean house? I don't have any family to help out or look after the kids for a short time and I'm at my wits end!
10 Replies
Ok, if you can afford it get your kids in day care so your getting a break and good run at it. If you can't that's fine but don't be afraid to turn the tv on for them for a few hours so you can concentrate. Set yourself small goals, if it seems insurmountable it will be! I like the washing basket system, basically I go into a room and fill the washing basket up with stuff that shouldn't be there and then wander around the house with the basket and put the items away. Also expect your kids to help, we are not our kids slaves so start teaching them to pack away as they go. Put own dishes in sink etc. We have a toys are packed away before bath time routine. So build into your routine clean up times. Most peoples houses are not spotless (they tidy up before guests arrive) so be realistic about what you can do and what is reasonable given your situation.
I can't thank you enough, that is wonderful advice!
Glad it was helpful :)
My house is never ever spotless and on a number of times we have done the mad dash to clean up the house while visitors are getting out of the car, our bedroom usually becomes the dumping room. I write myself a list with the most important things at the top I start at the top and work my way through checking the jobs off as u go so at the end u can see what u have accomplished. Also don't stress the mess will always be their tomorrow :)
Ha, I do the same :)
Best tip I ever got was to get each person two washing baskets - one for dirty clothes, one for clean clothes. Forget folding and putting away, just sort them into their buckets. My house up until I got that tip was literally piled with clean and dirty clothes and half the time I didn't know which was which. It has saved my sanity. The dishes are my other big problem and I just try and wash at least half of what's there each day so it doesn't get out of hand. As for vacuuming, mopping etc I do it when I have the time and energy (which granted is not often but I've come to accept that). I really feel for you because I've experienced several of the things you mention. I promise it gets better though. Also consider counselling if you're not already. It will help a lot.
Im sorry you are struggling and hope all this wonderful advice is helping.
I agree with the daycare or tv. I have 4 children ranging from 14 to 4 Admittedly the older kids have to help out a little. Not much but I get them to help me for 15 minutes a day after school. Weekends they get off. 15 mins might not sound like much but it is actually 45 mins of work a day. Plus what I do. Anyway something to think about when the kids get a little older.
My house is also always messy. I admit I am one of the laziest people alive. My walk in robe is full of clean dry washing that I haven't folded lol.
I think just spending 1 hour a day cleaning do 1 room a day. Get the kids to help. Obviously they are young so probably cant do alot but I know my 4 year old loves to run around vacing my floor. Now its not a great job but looks cleaner. Put some music on and clean while dancing around with the kids. Ask them to pick up their toys when they are done just little things like that. It really will help.
Also I have to say right now I think the main priority should be getting some help for the eating disorder. The housework will still be there when you are well, your mental state and health is SOOOO much more important than a clean house. Your children will remember that Mummy was fit and healthy, able to play with them. Not that the house was a mess.
Good Luck Mummy and I hope you are able to take some of this advice and better things for yourself. xoxox
Go to your GP and get them to write out a medical plan for you since you have past history of medical conditions. They can also put yu into contact with someone from your local council to assist with looking after kids or cleaning because of your medical condition on a temporary basis.
Trust me, mom... my house was only spotless when my kids got married and I taught hubby to do his own laundry. I admit to paying kids to run the floor cleaner, clean their rooms and put toys away .... Many times I just wrote IOU's (thankful they couldn't read at the time). You'll be fine ... just don't keep beating yourself up. I always said... "housework almost killed my mom" and I didn't want to take the chance :-). You are fabulous!!!
Trust me, mom... my house was only spotless when my kids got married and I taught hubby to do his own laundry. I admit to paying kids to run the floor cleaner, clean their rooms and put toys away .... Many times I just wrote IOU's (thankful they couldn't read at the time). You'll be fine ... just don't keep beating yourself up. I always said... "housework almost killed my mom" and I didn't want to take the chance :-). You are fabulous!!!