Cleaning your house is a constant battle, isn't it? Especially when you have little gremlins (I mean, children) who keep messing it up ALL. OF. THE. TIME. Even as a stay-at-home mom, my house isn't as clean as some think it should be.
Honestly, trying to keep up with my kids while the mess is happening is impossible. Some days I don't even try. I have other things to do. And once it's a nightmare, it's so overwhelming, I no longer have the time or the ambition to get it cleaned. But here's the thing: I find that my house is super clean or super messy. There is no in-between.
Now, my definition of "super clean" may not be the same as yours
If the living room is picked up and the dishes are done, I consider that super clean. Those two are the high-traffic living areas, so if I can walk through those without tripping and there aren't dirty dishes in the sink, it's a huge success. It's the simple things, really.
I also have moments when I'll rage clean. This happens when I realize how dirty things are and then start cleaning all the things. If I get into this mode, it means that I somehow managed to find both the time and some energy at the same time. This combination is rare, but it means I'll not only pick things off the floor, but I'll also sweep. I'll not only do dishes, but I'll also wipe down the counters. I'll not only do laundry, but I'll put it away.
The motivation and opportunity to clean definitely comes and goes
Some days, I honestly just don't care. It could be that I'm tired, have too much work to do, or am just worn out. I just let the kids make a mess and let the dishes pile up. These are the days where it's OK to just let things go and be messy for a bit.
As moms, we already have so much pressure on us, and we're already totally burnt out. If you need to go a day or two without cleaning, I say that's a small price to pay for a break. On the other hand, if a mess causes you anxiety, then finding a way to do it is important.
For me, I can let things go for a day or two if I'm just having a bad day
I try not to feel bad about it, because some days with kids are just harder than others. My husband picks up the cleaning, and he's really good about not complaining about it. He knows that it was just one of those days.
I've tried to come to terms with the fact that there's no happy medium when it comes to a clean house. Instead, it's a roller coaster of cleanliness. Sometimes things are messy and cluttered with toys all over, and sometimes the things are all put away. Rolling with it is what helps me preserve my sanity. I follow how I feel and get things done when I'm at my best. Other days, I take a break. It's all about balance and doing what you can — and that's OK.
