Household Hassles

So over the last couple of days Ive had people posting status messages and had some conversations about housework and the lack of help from the partner/kids.

Its really had me thinking. I was brought up by a women who must have been a drill sergeant in her last life or a Masterton Display Home Manager or something along those lines. I will be honest though- I had the silver, no gold spoon in my mouth. I didnt make my bed, never done dishes, never vaccumed let alone mowed the lawns or cleaned windows. Mum done everything, from housework, paying the bills, looking after us 2 girls and still holding down a fulltime shift work job as a Nurse. - Kudos to you Mummy x x

So you would think that would make my sister and I suffer from Housework incapabilities... Funnily enough we dont. Both my sister and I are very house proud. We are true beleivers in we worked hard for what we have lets look after it- my sister more so than me!

So maybe I might have a a basket of washing here to be folded and put away, I dont iron ( gotta love clothes and school uniforms that dont need it!! As for jeans, I HATED wearing ironed jeans when I was younger. It took me till I was about 15 to convince my mum my jeans DID NOT need to be ironed.. It was too uncool! lol) and sometimes those floors can be left until tomorrow.

But what about the hubby and the kids? What do they do? Im pretty lucky to have a hubby who will help - IF ASKED lol ( initive.. whats that??) My little shadow Mitchell is always willing to give me a hand, provided I am doing it too. ( Loves passing me pegs, and picking "big" items up off the floors as i sweep/vacuum). The eldest however, Nick, thats a whole other ball game. I have to ask him 5 times to unload the dishwasher ( his only chore!) and clean his room. Teenage boy? Nope, only turned 10 in November.. Am I doomed?? I think so!! Thankfully however we dont have "the smell" in the room yet. His a big fan of deoderant and aftershave lol. Hubby, well he works hard and long hours. My lawns get mowed, the pool gets cleaned and the washing will be bought in if it looks like its about to rain and im not home... Towels however.. THEY ARE NOT DIRTY AFTER 1 USE!! lol that is my biggest gripe with him! But in saying that I love him anyway! lol

Ive been lucky enough that I dont HAVE to work ( as in PAID employment) so I dont mind doing the majority of the household chores. I love my husband and my kids so I dont mind spoiling them. But then we have the battle of teaching them responsibility/independence.... Well Hubby has always said I will be the Mother in Law from hell. Nothing my future daughter inlaws do will ever be good enough for my boys. lol. The scary part? I TOTALLY agree! lol

So is teaching the kids how to cook and clean a bad thing? In my honest opinion. NO it isnt. I CHOOSE to do what I do for my family. But what about the people out there that are strong believers in chore lists and charts? Ive tried the whole chart thing before.. SOOOOOOOOO didnt work for me! What is to much housework for a child? How do you prevent housework "piling up"??

Even people with a relatively small house (I went from living in a 7 bedroom house to a 3 bedroom box!) can neglect areas of their homes because they simply forget they haven't cleaned them, which is why a list of daily cleaning chores can be a huge help. Instead of simply guessing at what needs to be done, people can cross each item off as it's done. This can help prevent the "piling up", making the job of cleaning easier.

I personally do a mental list of what needs to be done each day. I do this over my morning cuppa. This became a habit of mine when I was first diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety. Mum suggested to me to set myself 3 goals each day. Then when I started meeting these 3 goals each day with ease I upped it to 4, then 5 etc etc.

So what sort of tasks do you do on a daily/weekly/fortnightly basis??? After having a little looksy online I found the following should be included on a daily "task list"

1.Dishes - Wash the dishes by hand or in the dishwasher, dry them by hand and put away immediatley.
2.Laundry - Place dirty clothes in the basket and take it to the laundry. Wash and dry as needed. Fold and put away clean clothes.
3.Picking Up - Pick up any items that are on the floor but shouldn't be, such as toys, papers or clothing.
4.Organizing - Organize mail and items on tabletops/bench tops.
5.Surface Cleaning - Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
6.Vacuuming/Sweeping - Vacuum carpets/Sweep in high traffic areas, especially if a household member has allergies or there are animals that live inside.
7.Dust windowsills, bookshelves, lamps and other areas that attract dust or cobwebs quickly.
8.Making the bed each morning

Interesting huh? I personally dont vaccum everyday. Maybe twice a week though.

So what about on a less regular basis??? The following supposedly should be included atleast once a week in household cleaning.

•Cleaning the kitchen sink and appliances
•Wiping spots off of walls
•Dusting electronics, including ceiling fans
•Removing old food from the refrigerator
•Taking out the garbage and the recycling
•Washing throw rugs
•Shaking out the doormat and sweeping the porch
•Wiping windows and mirrors
•Disinfecting light switches and door handles
•Washing sheets and towels and changing bed linens
•Vacuuming less high traffic areas of carpet and furniture upholstery
•Scrubbing bathroom toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers

So maybe a bit of time management, delegating and hardwork might get your house a little more organised? I know when I pull my socks up, my house runs so much smoother!!

Well Im off to bring some washing in before this storm hits!

Dont forget if you ever want to have your say, email us at mamabakeinmacarthur@gmail.com. It would be fantastic if you emailed us anyway so we have you email addy so we can start the Meet the Mamabakers!

Sending lots of love and Light




Ooooh Bugger! I just previewed this before I posted it, and please, please, PLEASE dont think Im calling any of you lazy. It was just general musings I was having! No offence was meant. I PROMISE x x x