Let’s get one thing straight: hiring a housekeeper is not a sign of laziness — it’s a smart move! In the chaotic world of parenthood, where work, kids, cooking, and chores dominate our lives, finding a moment for ourselves can feel like an impossible feat. Many parents often grapple with feeling inadequate as partners or parents simply because they’re juggling too many responsibilities.
That’s why one mom’s experience of enlisting the help of a professional cleaner is striking a chord with families everywhere. Sarah Johnson, co-founder of the well-known site Her View From Home, shared her relatable journey about hiring a housekeeper, and her candid insights are refreshing.
She writes, “Today, I paid someone to give my home a good scrub.”
Sarah is quick to clarify that her family isn’t living in luxury; they’re still tackling student loans, hunting for bargains at Target, and skipping vacations. “We work hard. When we’re not clocking hours, we’re busy with kids’ activities, church events, and family gatherings. With two daughters inching toward their teenage years and a little guy who just turned six months, we’re exhausted. Really, really exhausted.”
Sound familiar?
She elaborates on their nightly routine, filled with homework, permission slips, and the ever-elusive bedtime. “By 9 PM, if we’re lucky, we collapse on the couch to binge-watch something mindless on Netflix before drifting off to sleep.”
Sarah recognizes that her family is in a particularly hectic season, and while they enjoy their busy lives, she also believes in taking time for self-care. After spotting handprints on the kitchen cabinets and remnants of ketchup from a meal weeks earlier, she realized it was time for a change. “I didn’t cry over the mess; I just chuckled, possibly used a word my mom wouldn’t approve of, and decided to hire someone to clean.”
Her rationale? “By night, I’m too wiped out to tackle it, and during weekends, I’d rather spend quality time with my family than wield a broom.”
Absolutely! This resonates with so many of us. Instead of hiring help, I often dive into cleaning, which steals precious moments with my kids, or I ignore the mess entirely, only to feel regret come Monday. What makes Sarah’s story so inspiring is her proactive approach.
“Lazy? Absolutely not. Smart? Without a doubt.”
For any parent who has ever questioned whether hiring a housekeeper is a sign of weakness — it isn’t. If you’re in a position to afford it, bringing in a cleaner, even occasionally, is a wise decision. It allows you to truly savor the time spent with those you work so hard to care for.
Sarah reflects, “I’ve learned how to prioritize my happiness in motherhood. I’m not ashamed to do what’s best for me, even if it means adjusting our budget a bit.”
“Today, someone else cleaned my toilets, scrubbed my kitchen sink, picked up Legos, and tackled the laundry. Isn’t that pure bliss?”
She shares with enthusiasm, “Today, someone helped this mama reclaim a bit of sanity, which makes me a better partner and parent for my beloved family.”
While she anticipated some backlash, Sarah was met with a chorus of support from fellow moms sharing similar experiences. “Mothers often hesitate to seek help, but we shouldn’t! I hope this serves as a reminder that even though we juggle so much, we deserve a break too!”
Amen to that!
She wraps up her post with the best advice: “Don’t shy away from doing something that simplifies your life. Trust me — you’re worth it.”
For more on making parenting easier, check out our post on home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for expert guidance on your family planning journey, visit Make a Mom for reliable resources. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent insights on fertility treatments and more.
In summary, hiring a housekeeper is not an act of laziness but rather a savvy choice that can enhance your family life and personal well-being. Don’t hesitate to prioritize your happiness!