When naptime rolls around at my home, you might find me lounging on the patio in my swimsuit, soaking up the sun. Alternatively, I could be tucked away in our guest cottage, enjoying a good book with a steaming cup of coffee. Depending on the weather and my mood, I might be in various spots around the house, but one thing is certain: I won’t be upright. My eyes could be open, but my body is in a state of complete relaxation. And I. Will. Not. Be. Cleaning.
Let me clarify my stance. I’m the type of person who scrubs countertops and manages two loads of laundry daily. In total, I invest at least an hour and a half in cooking and cleaning each day. This doesn’t even include errands, shopping, or scheduling appointments. So, when do I fit it all in?
The answer is simple: while my toddler is awake. After breakfast, I tackle the kitchen and prepare lunch. Then, we dive into storytime and practice letters together. After that, I throw in a load of laundry, vacuum, and clean the bathrooms. We go out for an adventure, return for lunch and naptime (which, as you might guess, is not a cleaning period for me).
Once naptime is over, we read nonfiction books, and then I make the beds, wash dishes, fold laundry, sweep, mop, and address any other chores. Following that, we have another outing, after which we engage in activities like puzzles or play dough before dinner, and of course, I clean the kitchen afterward.
So, what is my child doing while I juggle housework?
The answer: whatever she pleases. I don’t stress too much about it. Sometimes she lends a hand, which transforms into a delightful learning experience. Other times, she creates little beds for her stuffed animals or builds with blocks. There are moments when I think, “it’s too quiet,” only to discover her deeply focused on mastering how to button a sweater. If she gets upset, I can often find a way to hold her while I work, or I might turn on some music, instantly turning it into a dance party, which actually helps with cleaning.
Am I a negligent mother?
I take time for myself while my child is sleeping and prioritize housework when she’s awake. Shouldn’t I be using naptime for chores so I can fully engage with her later? Or should I allow my home to descend into chaos because parenting is tough, and after all, “those dishes can wait, but childhood is fleeting?”
Here’s the reality: the dishes cannot wait. We need to use them again. A disorganized home makes me feel down, and it leaves my partner in a bad mood too. We both desire our home to be a peaceful sanctuary, which we want to create for our children as well.
I spend substantial quality time with my daughter, focused entirely on her. We explore the garden, discovering new flowers and insects, draw pictures, and read countless books. We hardly engage in screen time, and when we do, it’s typically watching National Geographic clips of baby penguins—together. I considered counting the hours I spend playing with her to share with you, but I don’t need to. I’m confident that I’m investing enough quality time with her.
Positive Outcomes of Involving My Child in Chores
When my daughter observes me doing chores, several positive outcomes emerge. She often joins in, allowing me to teach her practical skills like loading the washer, folding clothes, and washing dishes. Children flourish in organized spaces where they know where to find things. Most importantly, she will develop an innate appreciation for the value of housework. I want her to understand that hard work is significant and for her to respect her environment. We must exemplify these values if we wish for them to be ingrained in our children.
So, I’ll continue to recharge during my toddler’s naptime, and when she wakes, I’ll keep cleaning the house while she engages in her activities—whatever they may be. For more insights into parenting and fertility, check out this informative resource on fertility insurance FAQs, or explore our other post about boosting fertility supplements.
In Summary
Balancing housework and parenting is a personal choice, and it’s perfectly fine to prioritize cleaning while your child explores and learns independently. Embracing this balance can lead to a structured environment that benefits both parent and child.
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