You know those picture-perfect homes you see on Instagram? The ones with pristine white couches, meticulously organized neutral-colored toys, and a kitchen is straight out of a Homes & Garden magazine? Yeah, my house is definitely not one of those. And you know what? That’s totally okay.
Let’s be real… life with kids is messy. Life in general can be messy. Toys are everywhere, laundry piles up faster than I can blink, and sometimes, it feels like I’m always cleaning out the fridge. But amidst all the chaos, there’s a lot of love, laughter, and memories being made.
The Reality of a Lived-In Home
Just the other day, I walked into the living room to find my 4-year-old proudly displaying her latest cutting project (with tiny pieces of paper scattered all over the floor). My first thought was, “Why couldn’t she use the table right next to her?” Moments like these sometimes make me want to pull my hair out, but they also make me laugh (eventually).
This girl also has a magical ability to turn her bedroom into a Barbie minefield. If you’ve ever stepped on a Barbie accessory, stuck in carpet, barefoot, you know the kind of pain I’m talking about. It’s a rite of passage for girl moms, I suppose.
Embracing the Mess
I’ve learned to embrace the mess because, in all honesty, a spotless home just isn’t realistic for us. Instead, I focus on creating a space where my child feels free to play, explore, and be herself. Here are a few things that help me keep my sanity:
- Lower Your Expectations: But seriously though… it’s okay if your home doesn’t look like a magazine spread. (Kudos to the moms who have one and still get it messy from time to time!) Embrace the mess and remember that a home should be lived in, not just looked at. What’s more important? The way your house looks or the smile on your child’s face?
- Involve the Kids: Turn cleaning up into a game. My daughter loves playing “cuddle toy basketball” where her and I see who can score the most points by throwing her stuffed animals into their bin. It’s not perfect, but it helps, and she has fun doing something she’d otherwise dread doing.
- Pick Your Battles: Some days, it’s more important to enjoy a family movie night than to tackle that pile of laundry. The clothes can wait; making memories can’t.
- Find Humor in the Chaos: When things get overwhelming, try to find the funny side. Like the time Jules, our cattle dog, decided to join in on a work call by barking at the neighbors—while I was presenting to my team. Not surprising—she’ll bark at the wind these days!
Finding Joy in the Little Moments
Despite the mess, my home is filled with love and laughter. We have dance parties in the kitchen, build epic pillow forts in the living room, and cuddle up for stories every night. These moments are what truly matter, not the state of my floors or kitchen counters.
So, to all the moms out there feeling overwhelmed by the mess—take a deep breath. You’re doing an amazing job. Your home is a reflection of the beautiful, chaotic life you’re living, and that’s something to be proud of.
Remember, a messy home is a happy home. And if anyone asks, just tell them your kids are busy making memories… and maybe a bit of a mess too.
Hang in there, supermom. You’ve got this!
With love and a little bit of chaos,
Heather