Toys on the floor, clothes on the lounge, dirty dishes on every surface - it adds up fast, and keeping up with it is exhausting. And annoying - it's not your mess!
You don’t have to be the one doing all the tidying all day. Let's look at some ways to share the load, even with little kids in the mix.
Start by shifting the expectation. It’s not your job to do everything. Your family is a team, and teams work together. I know that won't always mean a perfect 50/50 split, but everyone can help in age-appropriate ways.
Begin with one simple rule: if you get it out, you put it away. Remind your kids (and partner if you have to) gently and consistently. At first you’ll still be prompting, but over time, it becomes the norm.
Make it easier to tidy up. Use open baskets, low hooks, and easy systems so everyone can do their part. If you want toys packed away but the containers are complicated, it just won’t happen. Set everyone up to succeed.
Create natural reset points in your day. For example:
- Quick tidy before lunch
- Quick tidy before screen time
- Quick tidy before bed
It takes just a few minutes, you can get it done in a song or two, and the more regular it becomes, the less mess builds up.
You can also call it a “speed clean” - set a timer for five minutes and get everyone to compete. It’s fast, light-hearted, and more effective than nagging.
And finally, let go of perfection. Your house doesn’t have to be spotless. It just has to be tidy & calm enough for you to breathe and function. Don't aim for magazine style home, you'll end up feeling resentful, overworked, or invisible.
You deserve support. You deserve rest. And you absolutely deserve to live in a home where you’re not the only one picking up the pieces.
Let me know how these go for you! And if you'd like more tips like this, check out The Busy Mum's Guide to Making Life Easier.
x Marissa
