Confession of an imperfect housewife
Life is busy; have a Reasonably Clean House
The School for Housewives brings you short, practical, and thoughtful messages to inspire you to make your home. If you’re new here, go to the homepage for the previous Lessons; the categories are arranged in the menu bar at the top.
Sometimes dinner has to be served this instant, and there is indeed a messy pile of prep items on the counters as we sit down. Sometimes I have to run out of the house and the sink is by no means cleaned out. Sometimes kids (in my case, grandkids) are caught up in all the play and all the creativity and the scene is chaotic. Doubly so if one is viewing it from under a nursing baby!
My Reasonably Clean House idea saves the day and rescues us from perfectionism.
If I know I can reset things pretty quickly — and others can help — because I haven’t boom-and-busted on a large scale, but have a good conscience about the edges and corners, I can handle the disorder in the middle of things. Because I make sure to clean the crud around and behind the faucet on a regular basis, a sink full of dishes isn’t fatal.
Since I figured out we must avoid “tidying up” by shoving everything into corners, a flurry of “artwork” and both Lego and Playmobil bins poured out, while panic-inducing at first, can be remedied.
Don’t compare your situation to unrealistic, staged ideals, and do keep yourself to standards you know are good for you and your family. The order/wonder balance is important, and you’re doing a good job!
Carl Larsson - Kräftfångst - Ett hem - 1899
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, coming from my experience of 45 years of marriage and raising seven children, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
Be happy at home! Could you become a free or paid subscriber? That way you won’t miss anything!
If you don’t wish to subscribe just now, I understand! How about…
For the longer version:
My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory