Do you ever fee like the work you do at home and with your kids is invisible? I do. It’s something I really struggle with.
Work is supposed to have achievements, right? Well, what if you can’t see them? I know my kids are happy and thriving. I need to remember to stop and appreciate the little things that are really big things but don’t seem like it. Good behavior, for example. Manners. Those things really matter even though they are invisible.
One of the biggest invisible chores for me is cleaning. Since we are in our house more, it just stays messy. It is nearly impossible to keep it clean. If you clean an area, it’s like painting a giant bulls-eye for your kids. They go right for it. Seek and destroy!
Here are some tips on keeping it clean:
#1 – Have people over. It forces you to get your act together. Better yet, if she is near you, invite your mom over. Shame is a powerful motivator.
#2 – Pick a day of the week to clean. Wednesday is my day for major cleaning. I usually can keep up with it for a few days after that. Then it goes downhill from there. Vicious cycle.
#3 – Get one space clean and then avoid it. Sometimes I get one room done and keep everyone out of it. It helps me feel better – like I have a little piece of my chaos under control.
#4 – Go to the car wash. I don’t know about you, but when I have a clean car, I feel a little more control of my life. Same is true for my closet. If I clean out my closet - a space typically not bothered by my kids - I feel a little better about it.
Mostly it’s just letting go of what you used to be able to do. How do you feel about your invisible work? What are some ways you keep up with it?
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