Cleaning House

[swv]

I am a single mom with a 5 and 4 year old. I find it overwhelming to keep the house clean. The only time I can seem to clean it well is when they spend the weekend with their dad.  What works for some of you?

[rockeledjones]

Getting rid of stuff that you absolutely dont need. All those little toys that just end up on the floor, like the happy meal toys.  I toss those.  Doing one room a day.

[ramyakalli]

Getting rid of stuff that you absolutely dont need. All those little toys that just end up on the floor, like the happy meal toys.  I toss those.  Doing one room a day.

cleaning house is the most important activity in everyones daily life especially those with children.

[janell07]

I may not be a single mom, but I understand about keeping the house clean.  I have a 3 year old, a 1 year old and an almost 2 month old.  It is only really clean when they are all sleeping.  I try my best to keep up with things as the day/evening goes, like the dishes, sweeping the floor after dinner, then it doesn't seem so overwhelming.  It must be hard being a single mom, just keep trying.  Maybe you can get them to help clean up.  I have noticed with I work with our 3 year old she will help clean up. 

[tjshorty]

I hear you.  When my kids were small they spent the weekend with their grandma.  That was the only time my house work seemed to stay done.  I did manage to get my youngest one to enjoy helping with chores.  To this day, she is a neat freak.  Likes to have nice things and takes care of them.  But, she also stresses over the slightest imperfection.  I feel as long as your home is safe to live in, spend as much time with your kids as you can.  People will see your kids in twenty years but they won't see your house.  Another thing I have learned over the years, is don't have more than you are willing to take care of.  Just keep what you need and use, get rid of the rest.

[Elizabethar]

It's hard with little one's. Just try to enjoy time with them your house will still be there when they are grown up.

[sweatytree]

For us, we try to keep the house clean for the most part.  On Saturday Mornings we pick up the remaining piles of clothes and do the dishes.

[Hewlin2011]

I have a 15 month old, a 8 yr old and a 10 yr old, and it can be very hard to keep up with everything. but one thing that i have is that my older kids were never taught how to clean up after themselves (beings that i am their step mother which is hard enough in itself) but with my 15 month old i have began to teach him how to pick up after himself i have been doing this now for about 2 months and it really is helping alot. when he makes a mess he cleans it up (when i tell him too) its great and it really does help. it will be a little easier for you that your kids are older but still not to old to be definant yet. have them help with simple things that are not to much but will help you every second counts

[munitono]

I hear you.
I am a mom of 20 month old and I don't see the point of cleaning any more because it doesn't stay clean even for 5 minutes!
Is it just impossible to keep the house clean or I just have to clean clean clean?!?!

[Hewlin2011]

thats what i have been saying. after my son goes to sleep i just do a little straightening up. i do the major cleaning like vacuuming and dishes during the day. we actually have a really fun vacuum game. he tries to catch me while im vacuuming and if he does i take the hose and get his feet. make cleaning fun or you will go nuts