A Neat and Clean House vs Children

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
A Neat and Clean House vs Children
2597
Tue, 07-27-2010 - 8:35am

For those of you who like a neat and clean house, how do you keep it that way with children?

I find that if I am tied to goal of having a neat and clean house, I become a raging shrew against my children as they proceed to undo all the neatness I have worked so hard to attain. If I made a "neat and clean house" my goal, my children would not have their messy projects that take days/weeks to complete. My children would not pick up a book (casually left out)as they walk through the family room and browse through- discovering once again the mother actually knows about a few good books. I would let them watch more tv/computer time, as they don't make things as messy when they do. I would squash their ideas if I thought it would make too much of a mess. I wouldn't let them cook/experiment in the kitchen- as it is usually more work for me to clean up after they have "cleaned up". So, how do you inspire creativity and imagination in a neat and clean house? Are you on top of them to put things away as soon as they are done even if it is temporary? Where do you put the legos?....... Have you ever allowed them to take over the living room with all of their toys arranged in a city complex (thomas the train things were the Metro, legos and blocks were the buildings....)? How long would it stay up? Would let it be up for the summer so they could add to and change tings around as they got new ideas? Or allowed them to take over half of the family room for a month+ while they build and live in a beaver lodge (using all the empty shoe and other boxes and some that weren't empty)? Even if you have to walk around it everyday to get to the kitchen? Or do you require that all toys be put away everyday?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2008
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:32pm
It's not just the South. I grew up with that notion that when someone was going through a loss or something, people bring food. They help out in other ways too depending on what is needed and how close they are to those in need. Sometimes it's just a card, or flowers.

Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.' -Kahlil Gibran



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"The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding."
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:32pm
How many times have you had to change a tire since you started driving?
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:33pm

I think it is up to the individuals. I'm not going to do it. I'm too private and personal about things but I do appreciate the courtesy and hand of help reaching out but a polite, thank you so much but no thank you does it for me.


As far as good friends it depends on the mood & what is going on. Sometimes they just want to be left alone and call when they are ready. That is fine. What is best for them IS the IMPORTANT thing.


Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:34pm

those are so lovely


I'm thinking about bringing in some of my hydgrangeas for supper table tonight to add just that beautiful little touch for my dh and kids and me!


Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

Avatar for mommy2amani
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:37pm

We had pink peonies at our first house, and we've separated and moved some to each of our houses since.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2009
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:39pm
Don't you mean ... "If I were going over to a friends right now, and I know she likes flowers,
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-08-2009
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:40pm
The reason I haven't put in any now is that I have a yard full of things that bloom about the time peonies bloom and I need some summer-bloomers....so as much as I love peonies, I am looking for something different to extend the flowering season in the front yard.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2009
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:40pm
You really must get out more.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:40pm

You know, I can't think of a person that would help someone w/that attitude. They may send you a card in the mail ha


It is better to be asked questions. I don't mind. Maybe the person who had surgery that you know they love seafood is having an aversion to it post surgery so taking their favorite seafood dishes wouldn't be smart or productive. Maybe they are on a restricted diet post surgery and can't have their favorite things you know they love. Again, smart and productive to ask. Some times people who have lost loved ones would like comfort foods that remind them of their loved one. Their grandfather always smiled at having meatloaf and mashed potatoes and maybe they would like to have that in rememberance of him and to bring up some fond happy moments.


We are all sweet to one other. We value our friendships. We are there for one another. Yes, that includes cooking meals for those. It is such a wonderful thng to do for someone imho and a grand thing to receive.


Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:41pm
I have tended to find over the years that there are different types of *social*. Social in the sense of being able to speak to others without a problem, social in the sense of very outgoing wherever they go, social in that they are always out with some friend and would rather be out than home.
Do you go out alot with friends, socially?

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