Hey there, fellow messy moms! Let’s put down that broom and stop pretending we’re going to whip our homes into shape. We both know that promise usually ends in tears—and maybe a slice of pie standing over the kitchen sink. So what if guests are stopping by in 20 minutes? No need to apologize for the state of your home—we’re moms, and household chores can take a backseat.
Recently, I was at a friend’s house for dinner, and she sheepishly said, “Sorry for the mess; we just returned from a trip.” I couldn’t help but chuckle and replied, “If you think this is messy, just wait till you see my place.” To her, “messy” meant a few shoes by the door and a small pile of unopened mail, but I’ve reached a new level of chaos.
Both my husband and I embrace our messy lifestyle—okay, it’s more like we’re living in a disaster zone. Since having our little one, it’s only gotten worse. Just last week, I had a moment of determination and deep-cleaned everything, swearing I’d never let it get that bad again. Fast forward a week, and here I am, stepping over toys just to warm up my coffee for the third time.
I’m a stay-at-home mom, so you’d think keeping things tidy would be easier, right? Wrong. Our home is a bustling playground, and my toddler seems to have made it his mission to explore every drawer and cabinet, leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. Cleaning as I go? Not in my repertoire. Some people have the natural gift of organization; I, on the other hand, was not blessed with such skills.
Sure, I could say there’s a silver lining—like the fact that we’re really living life—but let’s be real. My kitchen counters are so cluttered that a slow cooker meal is my best bet for dinner. Honestly, I accomplish less in a messy environment; I’m not one of those creative types who thrives in disarray.
My son, oblivious to the mess, is currently munching on the remnants of last night’s dinner while I contemplate how to tackle this situation. You might be expecting me to offer a solution or declare that I’m done with the mess. Nope! This is the reality of chaotic moms like me. I’m not reformed yet. Today, I’ll blast some music, set a timer, and maybe manage to unload the dishwasher and switch the laundry. Somehow, I still find a moment to shower, do some yoga, and prepare dinner each night.
Parenting is quite the challenge, and cleaning isn’t at the top of my to-do list. My house is so chaotic that I couldn’t even fake an Instagram-perfect shot—unless there’s a filter for “someone else’s home.” The idea of hiring a maid is becoming more appealing by the day. Yes, I could totally be that trendy stay-at-home mom with a maid and a live-in nanny—preferably an older one who’s only mildly attractive.
A good friend of mine offered to come over and clean in exchange for me whipping up some freezer meals for her family. She claims to enjoy cleaning and doesn’t mind a mess. Bless her heart!
I’ve tried the “be grateful for the home you have” approach, but that usually ends with me vacuuming for a few minutes, then getting distracted by highlights from last night’s show. My son fears cleaning appliances, probably because they’re rarely in use.
The other day, my husband walked in and remarked, “Wow, the bathroom smells great! Did you clean?” I had to admit, “Nope, just put a few drops of tea tree oil in the toilet.” It works wonders!
A friend recently reached out, trying to sell me some cleaning products. I told her, “I’m sure they’re great, but I’m not your target customer. I’m currently spending zero dollars on cleaning supplies, so how can I save money?” I know I’m a bit of a slob because I announce my cleaning achievements to everyone—posting on social media and calling my mom to brag, “Guess what? I actually folded and put away the laundry today!”
Is there hope for me? Will I ever maintain an organized space? I dream of the day when I can sit down for dinner without having to wash two forks because I forgot to start the dishwasher. Or maybe I’ll remember the last time I changed the sheets! Then reality hits me—my child is once again playing in the recycling.
For more insights on parenting and home management, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination available at WHO.
Summary
Being a messy mom is a reality for many of us. We embrace the chaos as we juggle parenting and daily responsibilities. While we might dream of a clean home, the truth is, we’re living in the mess and loving our little ones through it all. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle!