Keeping a Clean Home with Kids: My Journey of Managing Chaos and Clutter!

Hey there, fellow moms! I’m Anisha, and I’m here to share my journey of keeping a clean home with kids while raising my adorable (and oh-so-messy) 6-year-old daughter, Aisha. If you’re reading this, you’re probably drowning in toys and wondering if you’ll ever see your floor again. Don’t worry, I’ve been there (and some days, I’m still there). Here’s how I manage to keep our home from looking like a tornado hit it… most of the time.

Tips for Keeping a Clean Home with Kids

When it comes to keeping a clean home with kids, I’ve realized that perfection is not the goal. It’s all about finding a balance that allows us to enjoy our time together while still maintaining some semblance of order. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, I’ve embraced a more relaxed approach to cleanliness. Below are some tips that have helped me manage the mess while fostering a fun and nurturing environment for Aisha.

Lowering My Standards (and Being Okay with It)

First things first: I had to accept that my house wasn’t going to look perfect. And you know what? That’s fine. These days, I’m happy if there’s no food stuck to the couch and I can walk without tripping over toys. Keeping a clean home with kids doesn’t mean perfection; it just means finding a balance that works for us. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough.

Getting Aisha to Help (Without Too Much Whining)

Believe it or not, kids can be pretty good helpers if you make it fun:

• We have dance parties while we clean. Aisha’s moves are way better than mine, but at least the toys get picked up.
• We race to see who can clean up faster. I always let her win. The look on her face is worth the extra toy I have to pick up later.
• Aisha has a chore chart with stickers. She loves it. Making her bed and feeding our cat are her jobs. Is her bed perfect? Nope. But she’s learning, and that’s what matters when it comes to keeping a clean home with kids.

Also read: Facing Judgements for Buying Many Toys for Your Kids? Here’s An Eye-Opening Perspective…

Storage Solutions: Dealing with All. The. Stuff.

Kids come with so much stuff. So storage needs to be both functional and fun. Here’s how we manage:

• The Great Toy Rotation: Every month, we rotate toys between Aisha’s room and our storage closet. It’s like Christmas every few weeks, and it keeps the clutter at bay. Moreover, Aisha gets new toys without me buying anything.
• Art Supply Central: A rolling cart with clearly labeled drawers keeps Aisha’s creative chaos contained. Pro tip: Washable markers are a lifesaver.
• The “Everything” Bucket: Each room has a large, colorful bucket for quick clean-ups. At the end of the day, Aisha and I sort through them together, making it a fun bonding activity, which is essential for keeping a clean home with kids.

Our Cleaning Routine (If You Can Call It That)

With a curious 6-year-old, no two days are the same, but we try to stick to a loose routine:

• Morning Madness Cleanup: 10 minutes of tidying before school to start the day fresh.
• After-School Reset: Another quick tidy when we get home, usually while discussing Aisha’s day.
• Weekend Wonder: One bigger cleaning session on Saturday mornings, followed by a special mother-daughter brunch as a reward for keeping a clean home with kids.

Getting Rid of Stuff (Without the Tantrums)

Kids grow so fast, and the stuff piles up. So, regular decluttering is crucial, especially with a growing child. Here’s how we deal:

• The “Toy Story” Method: When it’s time to donate, we talk about how Aisha’s old toys will go on new adventures with other kids. It makes parting with items easier.
• Seasonal Wardrobe Swap: Twice a year, we go through Aisha’s clothes together. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on how much she’s grown and to talk about passing on clothes to younger kids who need them.

Aisha’s Very Own Cleaning Kit

Aisha has her own cleaning supplies. She loves it. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for keeping a clean home with kids:

• A small spray bottle filled with water and a drop of child-safe cleaner.
• A pint-sized broom and dustpan set that she picked out herself.
• Colorful microfiber cloths for dusting.
• A feather duster because, in Aisha’s words, “it tickles the furniture and makes it laugh.”

Keeping the Front Door Area from Becoming a Dumping Ground

We have an “Aisha Station” by the door:

• A low hook for her backpack.
• A shelf for shoes.
• A cute basket for miscellaneous items like hair ties, notes from school, and the occasional interesting rock or leaf she brings home. This helps in keeping a clean home with kids.

Also read: 30 Toy Storage Ideas to Keep Kids’ Rooms Clutter-Free

The “Deal With It Later” Room

Some days, despite our best efforts, chaos reigns. On those days, we designate one room as the “Not Now” room. We close the door, ignore the mess, and deal with it later. Instead, Aisha and I might bake cookies, have a pillow fight, or read an extra bedtime story. Because at the end of the day, a messy house full of laughter is better than a spotless one without joy.

To Conclude

At the end of the day, keeping a clean home with kids is all about creating a space where love and laughter thrive, even amidst the chaos. Embracing the messiness of life with Aisha has taught me that it’s the memories we create together that truly matter. Each toy left on the floor or crayon mark on the wall tells a story of our adventures and bonding moments.

So the next time you find yourself fishing Play-Doh out of the carpet or discovering crayon masterpieces on your walls, take a deep breath and smile. These chaotic, colorful, sometimes sticky days are precious. One day our houses will be clean and quiet, and we might just miss this chaos. And hey, they make for great stories later!

Now, excuse me. I hear Aisha “redecorating” her room again. Wish me luck!

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