Why do some people use having children as an excuse for a dirty home?

[Anonymous]

Are the parents just too lazy to clean up? If I ever went to someone's home and their home wasn't clean, more than likely I won't go back. I don't understand people having toys in every room and you can't even walk and than they invite you over, and they say, " sorry the baby or kids have stuff every where" well how about you make them clean it up or you do!

[GoddessAnna]

We're clutter-hounds. It's not just the kids, though - but they do outnumber me 3 to 1. If anyone wants to come over when my house is actually clean, every other Friday afternoon. That's when my housekeeper comes. :)

[Anonymous]

So what about people who don't have playrooms and the kids play in the living room?

Quoting Anonymous:

Playrooms don't count. Because its a playroom. I'm talking all over. 

Quoting Anonymous:

Because toys and children go together?

My house is always clean. The playroom? Not so much. However not everyone is lucky enough to have a playroom. 

Now if we are talking about filth, dirt, mold, dirty dishes strewn about- there is no excuse for that.

[imuney]

 I agree. When we first moved here I was trying to make new friends so when I was invited to this one chick's house I decided to go. The smell of urine was overpowering from the moment I stepped through the door. Then we rounded the corner and it was so flippin nasty I was afraid to even take a seat. Youre so right though...the first thing she said was something about the kids destroying the place. It was obvious they live like that though.

[wissotamum]

There's a world of difference between a dirty house and a cluttered house.  Cluttered houses have crayons scattered on the table and books by the couch and the odd sock stuffed under the couch.  Normal.  A dirty house has evidence of rodents, mold in the bathroom, and foul smelling bathrooms.

If you perceive the odd toy left out from a toddlers' play as "unclean", you may have OCD.  Or, you might have had a very controlling parent who demanded perfection of you.  Or, you might be trying to validate your worth by keeping your house in pristine condition and criticizing others who don't live by the same extreme standard.  Or, you might actually think that Jeff Lewis designs are built around the way families live (they're not - they are works of design art).  Or,  you might just be a judgemental douche.

[talktojonell]

I use that excuse. My house is dirty because I don't clean it often enough. Cleaning isn't something I value highly enough to prioritize it over playing a game of Yahtzee or Monopoly with my kids or a good book or cuddle time and a nap.

My kitchen and bathroom are cleaner than many people's otherwise neat appearing homes for sanitary reasons. Health hazards are addressed immediately like mold or any thing wet or insect appealing. I haven't had a child bitten yet by a dust bunny, but will step up my game if that happens.

In general I just use that excuse because it's accepted and I don't feel like going into everything above.

[AjCeCeMom]

Clutter and a little messy is one thing and doesn't bother me. If its filthy I wouldn't go back.

[quickbooksworm]

My home is clean. I vacuum several times a week, my kitchen doesn't usually have dirty dishes and the counters are wiped, and the bathrooms are cleaned once a week. But you will see Legos on the coffee table and floor, books in various locations, and action figures that have been carried around. I find it creepy to go to homes with children when the only evidence of a child living there is the child itself.

[Anonymous]

Toys are okay. But nasty dirt everywhere an it looks like you haven't cleaned your house in a month is gross. Especially sahm who can be cleaning but they don't . if your a sahm an your house is gross I think your lazy.

[Anonymous]

My friend's house is like that. She doesn't have the lived in look, or the run of the mill toys all over... she has food, dishes, garbage piled up. She says her kids take a lot out of her and she doesn't have "time" to clean. My house on the other hand, clean, but there is toys on the floor, but at the end of the day they are put away, and I also pick up as I go.

[purpleducky]

My apartment is cluttered. I will admit it. But it is very small. We try to keep everything organized though. I however do not feel the need to pick up during the day while the kids are playing when it will only become a mess again in 2 minutes. So when I take pictures during the day *gasp* there is a mess in the background.

Quoting Anonymous:

You're only rolling your eyes because your house is a Mess

Quoting purpleducky: