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: 05-10-2009
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:43pm

But don't you see? Answering the questions could take substantial time and effort. Thus, making my life HARDER.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:44pm

yes, I just can't imagine not doing it or not having it done for me. I don't think that has ever happened in my life.


Even at church we are always finding a reason to have dinner on the grounds ha


Food is such a treasure, it is so social, it is to be loved, shared with those you love and those who are near and dear to you. It is also comfort. The fragrances alone can spark some wonderful memories of years past and people who have left us for heaven.


Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-10-2009
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:46pm

I fit the first two of your definitions, absolutely. And there are times when I fit #3.


<<Do you go out alot with friends, socially? >>


Depends on your definition of "a lot".

Avatar for mommy2amani
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:46pm

All of my favorite flowers bloom in the spring.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:46pm
I do not think that is an appropraite question to ask someone, do you?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2000
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:47pm

We have been in that position many times and yes, it is overwhelming.


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:47pm
I don't have to "get out more" (ROFLOL) to know how my family and all of our friends are

Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:47pm

eh, i remember when about 5 of us from church were pg at one time.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:48pm
So she is the only one who can have an emergenccy to use her phone? That is funny.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2010
Thu, 07-29-2010 - 2:48pm
ITA there are so many ways to be social and each person finds what they desire and need most.

Polkadots&FlipFlops

Polkadotandflipflops

 

 

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