As a new parent, I often hear the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” and the equally popular notion of “letting the housework slide.” This phrase, akin to “a messy home is a happy home,” suggests that neglecting chores will allow us to focus on joyful moments with our children, like playing on the floor or enjoying the sounds of everyday life. The idea is that by easing our domestic responsibilities, we can prioritize what truly matters: our kids and the fleeting time we have with them.
However, I find this advice to be fundamentally flawed. First off, where exactly is the housework meant to slide? For those of us who are reasonably efficient but not perfectionists, there’s little room for slack. Dirty dishes still need washing, and while it might seem convenient to leave laundry unfolded, it still requires just as much time to wash and dry those clothes. Ignoring tasks only leads to a build-up that becomes increasingly overwhelming.
Moreover, the “broken windows theory” applies here: a cluttered home often leads to more clutter. When the dishes pile up and laundry overflows, it creates an environment where additional mess is tolerated, prompting a cycle of neglect. Consequently, the chores we allow to slide accumulate, waiting for someone—usually me—to deal with them later, often after the kids are in bed, when I could be enjoying some leisure time.
Additionally, the sight of unfinished tasks can hinder my ability to relax. I’ve never been one to enjoy breaks when there is work left undone. I could put off tidying up after breakfast to play “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” with my child, but instead, I’d find my mind wandering to the scattered paper towels and fruit scraps nearby. Taking a quick moment to tidy up first allows me to fully engage in the joyful moment.
Interestingly, the notion that housework detracts from quality time might be misleading. When my children’s needs—like eating, playing, and cuddling—become overwhelming, I find myself gravitating toward manageable tasks like sorting laundry. This simple act restores my sense of calm and control, enabling me to engage more fully with my children afterward.
Allowing housework to slide would ultimately pile more stress onto my future self, taking away a valuable outlet for my anxiety. Therefore, I choose to tackle household chores head-on, letting this common piece of advice slide instead. If you’re interested in exploring your own parenting journey, check out our other blog post on Couples’ Fertility Journey. For authoritative resources, consider Cleveland Clinic’s guide on Intrauterine Insemination or explore the Cryobaby Home Insemination Kit for more insights on home insemination.
In summary, I have found that maintaining a tidy home enhances my ability to connect with my children. By addressing household chores rather than ignoring them, I create a more peaceful and organized environment that benefits both me and my family.
Keyphrase: household chores and parenting
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