But I Don’t Like Housework!

Part of a Mom’s job is giving permission. “Yes, you may eat some.” “Yes, you can play for an hour.” Permission sets the boundaries, but sometimes little permission-askers like to see how far they can stretch the fence. Recently I gave my six-year-old permission to wear her brand new church shoes at home. Then…
Several years ago my in-laws celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In preparation for the big party, our oldest daughter and her cousin got together to create a punch recipe. They bought several different kinds of juice and carbonated beverages and patiently began the process of experimentation, tasting and elimination. The resulting “Siems Punch”…
Starting From Scratch: Building a Happy Home by Charlotte Siems Before having children, many women worry about what kind of mother they will be. Nothing unusual about that, but a difficult childhood instilled in me a fear that I wouldn’t know how to have a normal family home life. I worried about how I would…
Cooler temperatures and changing leaves herald the arrival of autumn. It’s always been my favorite season of the year. Colorful trees, football season, sweaters and jeans—ahh, Fall is here! On the first day of Fall we make the first batch of homemade hot chocolate mix for the season. The first mug is often sipped…
I returned from the annual T-Tapp Retreat in the wee hours this morning. Wow. What a week. I think this was the best so far in my limited experience of 3 years. Packed full of exercise, information, heroine worship 🙂 and the best girlfriends in the world. This event reiterated to me the fact that…
The Summer of the Weddings—Size 18 to 16 by Charlotte Siems Three family weddings were planned that summer. This meant numerous shopping trips for a wedding dress, time spent researching florists and photographers, and shopping for just the right decorations for the ceremony and reception. Long days were spent at the sewing machine, making a…
Charlotte, I look forward to your articles so much. You have a way of making everything seem okay! I’ve felt the way many times that you described in your article and I am still a work in progress of realizing how important my attitude is in getting my house cleaned, and in everything I’m doing. Thanks for giving us all grace AND some great ideas!
Charlotte, You are so right that we do what we like to do. I tend to do the same things and put off what I don’t like to do. You’ve given me a lot to think about today! Just like learning to exercise regularly, I’ll use your tips to give my house into better shape! Thanks so much!
Charlotte,
Oh how this hit a nerve, I HATE housework and am lousy at it. This is one of those tasks that are low on my priority list, yet it needs to be done. I find deep cleaning intimidating and daunting. Working from home in auto transport adds to the clutter and detracts me from wanting to clean. Thank goodness for friends like you who can share tips with us to slowly add in to our day and take away the negative aspects of housework!
Actually I like housework…a lot more than meal preparation but I’ve learned that having the right tools makes a huge difference. Trying to “make do” with inferior tools leads to frustration. There are times, of course, when the budget is tight and we must just pull ourselves up and get the job done, but when possible, I’ve found that investing in the right tools leads to joy.
Oh, how it rings a bell. Trying to manage a house, feed everyone and teach all the children in 24 hours with a large family leads to well,…procrastination and usually it is the most hated areas of housework that take the slide.
I can’t wait to see what you have in your years of wisdom. With 8+ children myself I constantly find you convicting me that it can be done! First it was losing weight and now housework, thanks.
I really do appreciate conviction it lets me know God is still around prompting me in the areas I need work not the areas I think I need work:)
There are probably more people than we know who don’t like housework. The thing is, like you said, if you learn to do it well, you can at least do it quickly and get it out of the way.
I don’t mind housework in smaller doses. Every Monday morning I have a list of “weekly chores” that I do. I don’t mind most of them but I really hate cleaning the kitchen. So for the last couple of weeks, I’ve done that first. I can’t believe the difference it made. Once the kitchen is done (and it’s never as bad as I think it will be), then the rest is easy and quick.
So if you don’t like housekeeping, just get it overwith as quick as you can!
As always, Charlotte, this is so timely for me. I have just swallowed my pride and asked a friend with a gift for organizing to help me with my house.
Ooo, I love that! I need one of those friends. 🙂