House Cleaning Routines

by Angela

The laundry is piled up to your ears, the dishes have a funny green funk growing on them, and you could have sworn you had a table somewhere in the kitchen. Sound familiar? Trust me you aren’t alone. Whether you are a working, work from home, or stay at home mom the household chores add up. With the ever-increasing responsibility of after school activities, volunteer work or just trying to make some time for yourself, the cleanliness of your home seems to be the first to go. A little bit of organization and some help from the rest of family will make the problem easier to handle.

The first thing I would do is enlist the help of your family. Don’t walk around thinking that having a clean house is your responsibility alone. All of those other people live there too, and are capable of helping to make it a pleasant environment for everyone. The man of the house can do more than fix a clogged drain. He can do dishes, laundry, dust, and yes, even windows. Tell him if he’s worried about dishpan hands to wear gloves. Seriously, talk to your husband about ways he can help out. Find out what he hates and the two of you set a schedule that limits the amount either one of you has to do your personal hated chore. Most men aren’t sure which job will actually be of help. Some guidance from you could make all the difference in the world.

Now as far as those little people who live under the stairs go, definite guidelines have to be established. If you manage to catch your children in that stage where they want to help, you have a golden opportunity to teach habits that will stay with them. Teach them that a family helps each other and their job in that family is to keep their home clean. Remember to keep their jobs age appropriate and be patient.

I am the first to admit that organization is not my strong point. Developing a system that makes sense for your life and home is key to household bliss. I usually spend one morning or afternoon a week cleaning the house. The rest of the week is spent keeping up with daily chores and laundry. It never ceases to amaze me how many dirty dishes and clothes three kids and a husband can make. The whole family takes about ½ hour to pick up the assorted clutter before bed. That way the house is clean and ready to start the day in the morning. That may not work for everyone so adapt the idea to your schedule.

Obviously, for events like a family get-together or party it will take longer than a few hours to clean. During those times I would suggest giving yourself plenty of time and schedule breaks so you don’t burn out. Don’t forget lighting and closing doors to messy rooms can do wonders for the overall appearance of your house.

In my experience keeping up with chores is the best way to prevent them from becoming a bigger hassle than necessary. Of course, if you asked my ceiling fans, they would disagree with me. The traditions of spring and fall cleaning originated for a purpose. It’s a good reminder to take care of those out of the way, semi-unseen tasks that get overlooked in everyday clean-ups. I am especially fond of the fall cleaning so that I have a clean start for holiday decorating. For some reason I don’t like the look of sparkling ornaments with a backdrop of dust.

A tidy, organized home runs more smoothly than one that isn’t. Don’t take it too far though. There is more to life than perfect blinds and windows, like family time and enjoying each other. Of course I do suggest being able to find each other, so straighten up at least that much. Seriously, Who ever heard of the attack of the dust bunnies?

Lisa's Comments

I recommend Flylady. I don't get the emails and I don't stick to her strict schedules, and I don't put my shoes on in the morning or make my bed first thing or even keep my sink spotles ... :) But trying our some of her ideas did give me some good organizational habits, like I have a morning routine and an evening routine and they are posted on the wall in a paper protector so I can check them off and then wipe off the checks and start again. I also used her idea of a household book and made a business book that really keeps my to-dos online organized. Check her out - I find her a little patronizing too, but I try to ignore it and just take what I can use from her advise.

Morning Routines make it a Little Easier

by Angela


The little one just spilled milk all over the kitchen, another one can’t find their shoes, your husband is complaining that he doesn’t have any clean socks, and the dog is whining at the door. Good morning! Welcome to the war zone. It’s that dreaded place most families encounter each and every morning. It seemed impossible to get out the door on time when it was just you. Now you’re responsible for all these people who don’t seem to realize matching clothes are prerequisite for leaving the house. It doesn’t matter if you’re a working mom or stay at home or, like me, a work at home mom. The morning routine is a misnomer. Most of the time there is no routine. Some of these tips have worked for me; maybe they can work for you.

As far as the significant other goes, leave him for the wolves. He is old enough to get his stuff together. Seriously, depending on work schedules, the two of you can come up with a system that helps you both and gets the kids out the door on time. If one of you is the early riser have that one get the first shower and be most of the way ready to go when the kids get up. That way that parent can get breakfast for the family while finishing their own preparations. You can always trade off on who gets up earlier; though consistent routine usually works better. Maybe the one who gets up during the week gets to sleep in on weekends. This will definitely have to be a give and take situation. My point is to use each other’s strengths to get the task accomplished. If you are a single parent, things are a little trickier. I know what I’m talking about. During my stint on my own my sons were two and two months old. Balancing act comes to mind. The only thing that worked for me was laying everyone’s clothes and supplies out the night before and making sure I got up early enough to handle any problems that came up. It didn’t always work, but it made most mornings easier to handle.

Laying clothes and backpacks out the night before is a good idea for all families. It cuts down on lost items in the morning and less drama in general. Who needs drama at 7:00 a.m.? Anything that becomes an issue in your house in the mornings is a good candidate for getting together the night before. If your little princess argues about your choice of outfit for her, have her help you pick it out before bed. That way she can’t tell you she doesn’t like it the next day. My seven-year-old son has an affection for wearing mismatched socks. Don’t ask me why. Having his clothes picked out help cut down on him going to school looking like Bozo. It’s a good practice; try it out and see if it helps.

I am a huge advocate for breakfast for both kids and adults. I know how hard getting a good start to the day can be when you’re in a rush. A bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit is a healthy breakfast that will stay with the little ones until lunch. Oatmeal is another option that can be made in family size amounts quickly. Offer a variety of add ins so everyone can flavor it the way they like. Leftover pancakes from the weekend can be reheated in the microwave for a speedy meal. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t even have to be breakfast food. I have had my children request leftover pizza for breakfast. No problem, I know they’re not hungry when they’re trying to learn. Kids won’t eat what they don’t like. Even if their choice is a little unorthodox at least you didn’t have to cook and they start their day full.

Planning the night before and patience are essential for the whole family starting the day right. Despite your best-laid plans there will be mornings that don’t go as planned. Do your best, try to stay positive, and do it all over again the next day.

Bedtime Routines for Kids

by Angela

The screaming, the yelling, the tears; who doesn’t love bedtime? Be it one last glass of water or one more story, little ones will find any excuse to try to stay up. Bedtime is one of the most trying rituals of the day. Everybody, including Mom and Dad are tired and cranky and patience is in short supply. With a schedule tailor-made for your family, nighttime can become a bonding time.

I have 3 children who are ten, seven, and four. Each one has different needs. I think part of the key to bedtime success is taking age and temperament into consideration. For example, if your child is an easy going, relaxed type of person the nighttime ritual will probably match their daytime attitude. A warm bath or shower, followed by a story or quiet conversation will, more than likely be an ideal situation for that type of child. On the other hand, if the child in question is more active and full of energy, more calm time with you may be necessary. Trying extra cuddles starting about an hour before the appropriate time may be helpful in getting the energy filled child to sleep.

As I mentioned before, age obviously plays a huge part in bedtime. My ten-year old is fairly easy to send to bed. He has a shower, talks with his father and me, and heads to bed on his own. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. I have noticed that if he is upset about something unusual going on his life, suddenly he needs a drink of water or to go to the bathroom. He will even come and tell me he can’t sleep. These changes can be events like starting the basketball team or an upcoming holiday, which are happy times or the loss of a family friend, or a large school project he is nervous about. When these things occur, I try to remember that adults have trouble sleeping for very similar reasons. With this age groups growing awareness of the world around them it only stands to reason that having trouble falling asleep will follow. My best advice of this is to be patient and cut the child a little slack. Allow some flexibility and let them talk to you about what’s on their mind. Just knowing that someone else shares the burden could make all the difference in the world.

The seven-year old is completely different. This one goes to bed without any help from me. He has been that way since he was 3 months old. I know you’re thinking, “Good for you, my child doesn’t do that.” I sympathize; believe me. Dealing with a child like this at bedtime is fairly easy. He already has a sense of when he needs to sleep and will tell you he needs to go to bed because he is cranky. His routine at night is like his brother’s. A shower and talking about his day is all he really seems to need. From a in the trenches mom point of view, children with these habits should be allowed to do their own thing. Why fix it if it isn’t broke? Pay attention to any changes in nighttime behavior though. Don’t let the quiet ones fall through the cracks. They may need to talk out some anxiety too.

My daughter, who is four going on fourteen, has a deathly fear of missing something. Everyone is familiar with the busy bee. When she was still an infant the doctor told me he was sorry, but some children just don’t need as much sleep as others. He wasn’t kidding about that. To this day, it still takes an hour or more to get my daughter to sleep. We rock and sit in the dark. I rub her back; nothing seems to work until she decides she is ready. If you are coping with a child like this, you have my full understanding. Other than doing your best to find a routine that fits the child, from experience options are limited. Set a reasonable bedtime and stick to it as often as possible. We have tried to be flexible with her and let her set the pace to a degree. Stay firm to your rules and cooperative of their needs. Most children find their own schedule eventually.

Younger children and babies are a whole other ballgame. Like most aspects of parenting, it is a trial and error process. None of my children ever liked being put to bed the same way. You can try the darkened room or being cuddled close to Mom or Dad. Soft classical music can be of help with some little ones. My oldest son still listens to classical as he goes to sleep. With the littlest ones do whatever is comfortable to them and gradually introduce more independent habits.

“This too shall pass.” They won’t be little for long. As frustrating as bedtime with children is, there will come a day when they don’t want your comfort and hugs anymore. I personally live in fear of that day. Be patient and firm, but loving. Of all things, children respond best to knowing what to expect and love.

Winter Activities for Kids

by Angela

I love summer. The hot sun, bright blue skies, and warm nights are as close to paradise as I can get. Having said that, winter has a special appeal too. There are certain things you can only do when it’s cold. My family has traditions that came from my childhood, my husband’s, and some we discovered on our own. Children are just as susceptible to cabin fever as adults. Try looking outside the box for ways to keep everyone engaged and stave off the winter blahs.

There are always the traditional winter games such as sledding, building snowmen, or making snow angels. If you get caught in a pinch for a sled, you wouldn’t believe how well garbage bags work. Of course, the intertube sleds are a good time too. Let the little ones get creative with their snowmen. Use food coloring squirted on their faces for facial features for a new spin on an old favorite. There is nothing wrong with being gender appropriate either. Build snow women, kids, and why not a snow dog? They’ll have a blast trying to duplicate Fido in a snow structure. I can’t say much about snow angels. Everyone knows how to make them. Flop in the snow and sweep your arms and legs. Kids get a kick out of seeing their personalized angels. I think it’s a lot of fun as well. Being the experienced parent you already know this one, make sure everybody is dressed warmly and in layers. Have a great time playing with your kids during the winter months, they don’t last long.

Other winter activities for the whole family to try could be regional ones. Most communities schedule different holiday themed events this time of the year. Check in the paper or local library for ideas. I know in this area there are many choices from the zoo’s Festival of Lights to downtown’s extravagant holiday display complete with a booth where children can sign up to be a honorary elf. I’m sure your area has similar events on the calendar for family fun.

Let’s move the party in where it’s warm. Crafts are a good way to celebrate the season and keep little fingers busy. Christmas tree ornament kits are available in most stores and are a fairly inexpensive way to make something seasonal. If you celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa it is possible to find kits designed for these holidays as well. As an added bonus, the kids can give the finished product to grandparents and aunts and uncles as holiday gifts. Children love to be a part of things and give presents to those they love. Making decorations for the house is another good way to make kids feel like they are a part of things. Strips of construction paper glued to make chains can be used as garland for the tree or swag across the mantle or doorframe. Whatever you choose to do, make it fitting for your family and traditions.

We all know how busy the winter months can get. I personally do a lot of baking during the cold months and have discovered that the kids like to help. I know you’re thinking how much help is that when I’m busy? You might be surprised. Have all of your ingredients ready for whatever recipe you’re working on and let the kids measure them and put them in the bowl. It may take more time, but I guarantee they will remember that time spent with you later in life. One of the traditions I learned as a child that I have brought to my family is making snow ice cream. My dad made this treat with my siblings and me for many years. Directions are easy. Wait for a fluffy snowfall, you know the kind without too much ice in the mix. Set a large mixing bowl outside to collect the snow as it falls. When you have as much as you need, bring it in and add sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to the snow. Mix together and ta da, you have snow ice cream. You can always add cocoa for chocolate or anything you find that your crew likes in it. Obviously the measurements aren’t accurate. Snow ice cream is kind of a trial by error type of thing.

Whatever projects you and your family decide to do this winter, you’re making memories. Have fun and enjoy how rewarding family life can be. Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings from my family to yours.

Additional Resources:

Kidsdomain.com
aKidsHeart.com
KidSites.com
Preschoolrainbow.org

Angela

Angela Crout-Mitchell is a freelance writer and resides in Northern Kentucky. She lives with her patient husband, energetic 3 children, and lovable dog. Angela grew up in Northern Kentucky. She graduated from Simon Kenton High School and attended Thomas More College in Crestview Hills. She majored in English with a minor in Political Science.

Her current area of focus is health issues, primarily on food and healthy eating. Angela's interest is to share personal experience and knowledge to encourage good eating habits focusing on flavor. She also advocates extending those habits in family friendly ways to ensure the health of the next generation.

Other writing interests include politics, family and educational topics, and human-interest stories.

Angela can be contacted at angela.croutmitchell@gmail.com.

Activities for Kids

by Angela

In our world of computers, video games, and television, the simple pleasures are being lost. I see it most clearly in my own family. My sons are constantly asking for gameboys and my daughter wants any electronic gadget that features Disney princesses. I know I’m not the only one. Everywhere I go, I see kids playing or watching something. These pastimes definitely have their place, but what we are missing now is human interaction.
In order to function as a society the ability to communicate with others is essential. The best way to inspire that in our children is to practice what we preach and allow them to see us put the laptop down once in awhile. I have found and I think you will too, that the more effort I make to be social with my kids, the better they respond to activities that don’t center on electric circuits.

I believe one of the best ways to remind kids that they aren’t just video wizards is to encourage outdoor play. Weather permitting; playing outside is a good way to promote relationships with other children. It also opens the door for using imagination. Adults don’t have to leave all the fun to the kids either. Get out there and skip rope, shoot some hoops, and ride a bike. You’ll be doing that leading by example thing and having a lot of fun too. Who knows; maybe you’ll actually hear about how their day really went. Keep kick balls and outdoor equipment available for those moments when they complain that there isn’t anything to do.

To me, reading a good book or magazine is right up there with nirvana. I’m talking about pure bliss here. I also know kids don’t always see that way. When I explained to my 10-year-old son that my image of the characters and places in books is more detailed and better than any movie I’d ever seen he decided to give books a shot. Don’t get me wrong, he still likes watching movies, but now one of his favorite birthday or Christmas gifts is a Barnes and Noble gift card. With the younger ones, try reading to and with them. The oldies but goodies are a good place to start. Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe are action filled and exciting enough for them to look forward to the next chapter. Hopefully they develop a love for a great story that a DVD player just can’t provide and there isn’t a better way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Another fun way to spend an afternoon is cooking. My little ones love helping me bake. They may not realize it, but they are learning math skills like fractions and ratios. Science comes into play with oven temperatures and melting points. I wouldn’t dream of ruining their good time by pointing out the educational benefits. After all, why would they care? The benefit really is the hot chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven.

Art projects are another method for encouraging imaginative play. It’s easy to incorporate the seasons, holidays or birthdays into fun crafts for kids. Having construction paper, crayons, glue, glitter, and safety scissors on hand make for endless possibilities for creative expression. Wooden sticks, dried beans, and pompoms are other options. The great thing about crafts is there is no limit to things children can use. Give them a couple of ideas and let them release their inner artist.

It has been my experience that kids are more likely to try something new if the parents are excited about it too. So in the beginning, it may be a good idea to share in the fun until it becomes habit for the little ones. Never underestimate the appeal of a child’s interests. If you have one that likes exploring and archeology, offer to let them lead you on a dig in the backyard. Kids love to be leaders and they love to teach about topics they know about that you may not. Remember the gameboys aren’t all bad. Set firm rules about the amount of time they are allowed to spend with their gadgets and with all that extra time they are bound to rediscover their imagination.