How Do I Clean in the Midst of These Kids?

I received a question last week in the comments section (warning this is long!):

Anonymous asked: "If I stay busy at home (which seems to be busy cleaning and organizing) what do my kids do? That is a huge area of guilt for me. I am ready to unplug the TV for good. I know I can rise earlier and be more efficient, but I feel as though I "ignore" my kids a lot of the time to clean the house constantly."

This is an excellent question and I have found this to be one of the greatest challenges as a mom with little ones. It's obvious that when we compare which is more important - cleaning vs. your children - that the children are more important - BUT I don't look at these two as mutually exclusive. Our goal as moms should not be to entertain our children and to coral them from one fun activity to the next. They need to fellowship in the daily activities of their parents. They need to feel like they are a part of what is happening in the home. They should find purpose, comfort, and joy at the side of their mother.

We must depend on God's strength in order to have the patience, endurance and organization that it takes to allow your children to be a part of your daily duties. Let me give you some examples of how I have accomplished these goals in my life - and remember I only have 2 children (which is easier than 3+). But I have learned these techniques from reading books by moms who have 5 to 18 children.

My children have helped me with laundry since they were 1 and 3. First, they help me carry all the baskets to the main room for sorting. We pour all the laundry into one HUGE pile. Then I crank up music and allow them to take turns jumping into the pile. They LOVE this! After about 5 minutes of fun (or chaos) we stop and begin to sort. My daughter is in charge of pulling out the reds. My son is in charge of all the whites. I do the rest. Once we have sorted the items we push the bins down the hallway, down the stairs and to the washing machine. Then they each get a high five and a nickel for their hard work!

Truthfully, it is much easier to do this myself - BUT this is a time of bonding - and giving them a sense of contribution and purpose. This takes their focus off of themselves and onto serving the family. When daddy comes home - I brag on their helpfulness and express how grateful I am for them. When they were 3 and 1 they were not very helpful. But now at 4 and 6 - they can do the ENTIRE task without me - And yes, it still would be faster for me to do it myself but they would be crushed if they knew that.

Another example: cooking. We all know that kids LOVE to get creative in the kitchen but it is SO difficult to have their little hands into everything! So - take a deep breath and pray for patience!!! Remember - you are bonding while teaching them a life skill. To avoid using the television as a way of managing them - I have collected as many Lego's as I can from every friend and garage sale I could find. We have four large baskets of Lego's that they are ONLY allowed to use in the kitchen when I am cooking. I have a rug that I assign them to and they are not allowed to leave it. I get them started building and they are extremely creative once they get going. Then as I cook, when there is something they can help with - I invite them one at a time to stand on a chair and help. We fellowship together as I make dinner. They help set the table or get to taste test things while building with Lego's - all while having order in the kitchen.

I continue this philosophy into cleaning bathrooms - they use paper towels and water (use a spray bottle) on everything and I let them clean anything they want to their hearts delight! Give them feather dusters to dust as you dust. Let them have a turn at the vacuum even if it's too heavy for them - help them - this is great fun for them! And soon they will be able to do it for you - yahoo! My son takes great delight in wrapping up the vacuum cord and I praise him for his contribution. You will find this mutually beneficial - as you fellowship and bond with your children in love and joy and as they find praise for doing something other than sitting quietly while watching Dora.

If you have a big task - like cleaning out a closet or filing papers - and a tot that is going to be WAY too difficult to have in the room (don't even try it) -break this task up into 20 minute intervals. And work on it - each night after the kids are down for bed. I will admit it is hard work to bring your children along side of you as you work - it takes time, sacrifice, organization and creativity. But I never have guilt after spending this time with the children - but I will admit to complete exhaustion! We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:9). Enjoy your children - watch their eyes light up as you praise them for their great dusting. Admire their strong muscles when they lift the laundry basket! There is no substitute for mommy's praise and delight - the television may be an easy short term solution - but remember - we reap what we sow.

Feel free to share in the comments section your thoughts or some ways you have found to bring your children along side as you clean. I'm always looking for more ideas! If you are a fellow blogger, feel free to write on this topic and leave your link in the comments section - I'd love to learn off of you!

Walk with the King!

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