As spring arrives, it’s that time of year when many of us are inspired to break out the cleaning supplies, don our rubber gloves, and embark on a mission to declutter and refresh our homes. The idea of spring cleaning is enticing—who wouldn’t want to bask in the glory of a pristine, organized living space? The thought of tossing out unnecessary belongings? Count me in! Let’s start with all those toys littering the floor. However, here’s the harsh reality: it’s nearly impossible to achieve this when you share your space with messy little ones.
To be fair, my children are just four and six years old, still grasping the concept of cleanliness. And while my partner isn’t entirely untidy, our definitions of “clean” are worlds apart. I simply cannot tolerate sticky residue from jam lingering on the kitchen counter for days, while he seems to have a higher threshold for such things.
Currently, I find myself tackling cleaning duties primarily on weekends. I try to stay on top of the dishes throughout the week, but balancing a job outside the home with family responsibilities leaves little time for straightening up. I’ve attempted to manage tidying after work, but it quickly leads to frustration, and nobody wants to live with a frustrated mom. Thus, I confine my cleaning sprees to the weekends. I call it “rage-cleaning” because it’s hard not to feel exasperated when I discover yet another empty juice box wedged behind the couch or a pile of dirty socks just a few feet from the laundry basket. It’s sheer laziness.
Every Saturday, I launch into damage control mode, rallying the whole family for a collective clean-up. I refuse to pick up after them; they need to learn responsibility. Armed with a chore list, they groan and complain as they undertake their tasks, but it’s exhausting to repeat this cycle weekly. I’m not a maid, and they must learn to uphold basic standards of tidiness.
Spring Cleaning: The Necessity
Now, let’s talk about spring cleaning—it has to happen in my home. I can hardly remember the last time I mopped the floors or dusted under the furniture. With winter behind us, toys and clothes have become outdated, and clutter has reached peak levels. Clutter gives me anxiety, so starting with a purge felt like the right move.
I was feeling optimistic after clearing out one closet, but then I stepped into the living room and realized my kids had taken full advantage of my distraction. In the mere 20 minutes it took to tidy one closet, they had turned the living room into a disaster zone. This was no ordinary mess; it was a full-blown catastrophe. Every sheet and blanket from the linen closet lay strewn across the floor, surrounded by a mountain of stuffed animals. A toy basket had been dumped at the base of this plush pile, where both kids sat, munching on Cheetos.
I had to take a moment outside to regain my composure, because seriously, what just happened? This is exactly why spring cleaning feels like an unattainable goal when you live with messy children. Just as you get one area under control, three more messes erupt elsewhere. The clean-up wasn’t impossible, but it demanded time, which is a luxury for a working mom. My kids can’t even fold the blankets they’ve unraveled without my assistance, nor can they vacuum up the Cheetos crumbs.
My partner and I strive to teach our children to value their home and belongings. We remind them to put away their toys after playing and to eat at the table to prevent turning our furniture into a giant Cheeto stain. Yet, if I’m honest, it often feels like they’ll never grasp these habits. How many reminders does it take for laundry to make it into the hamper or for trash to find its way to the bin? I can assure you, it’s far more than I ever anticipated before becoming a parent.
So, if you happen to visit me this spring and find dusty baseboards, sticky floors, or clutter that makes you want to flee, I apologize. I genuinely intend to spring clean, but it may be several seasons before my home truly reflects that effort—likely when my kids are older and no longer messy.
Conclusion
In summary, spring cleaning can be a daunting task when you’re navigating life with young children. Between managing work and home, it’s easy for cleanliness to take a backseat. While I strive for a tidy abode, the reality is that messes will persist until my children learn the importance of maintaining their space. If you’re interested in learning more about home organization and parenting tips, check out Modern Family Blog or explore this excellent resource on IVF processes to gain deeper insights into managing family life.