By Shannon Hamner, published Jul 30, 2007

  OK, so my house isn't perfect. There are dirty dishes in the sink sometimes, toys are strewn around the house, and a huge basket of clothes are always waiting to be washed. I personally know that a mother's work is never done.

Sure I'd like my house to be spotless and always looking beautiful, but lets face it, being a mother of three rambunctious boys that always need attention, do you really expect my house to be sparkling clean? Many of my friends and family may get distressed over specks of dust on their tables, or mirrors that don't shine. I on the other hand have learned that some things are more important than winning the cleanest house award.

On a day to day basis I constantly walk behind my children picking up dropped toys and putting them back into their original spots. Wipe up spilled juice or milk, clean marker off furniture and change their dirty clothes. In between those times, I try to play with my boys, read to them, or do crafts and fun things. The more time I spend trying to make sure my house is tidy, the more time I lose watching my children learn and grow.

"You're children are only little once." I don't know how many times I have heard that before, and I have really taken it to heart. So many parents these days are caught up in their work, relationships, extracurricular activities and in general, life. We all forget from time to time to just stop and enjoy our children and really get to know everything about them. It can be so easy to look back and say " I wish I had done this or that with them," and so many parents do.

Before you know it your newborn is a one year old, and your eight year old is driving. Time really does go by so fast, and I personally want to savor and enjoy every minute of it with my children. Just setting aside an extra hour of the day to do crafts, play games, or read can make a special bond between you and your children. Kids of every age crave their parents attention, whether they will admit it or not!

I came across this article and this lady has the same philosophy I do.  How 'bout you?  I teach my kids something everyday, do crafts with them, read to them, color with them, play with them, take them to the park, library, swimming, having fun and I engage in the activities with them I also do chores with them, which as you know, is a lot harder than doing it yourself : ) 

I realy could care less about the house being very clean, and my hubby feels the same.  I do not have memories of my parents spending time with me above doing chores.  We spent some time going on vacations, but even then the kids hung out together and were paired up for safety, but no quality time with my parents.  I got no one-on-one time, so of course I make sure I have one on one time with my kids now.  My older ones and I still have very close relationships and they talk to me about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, some times too much info. lol. 

My Dad died a few years ago and I do not have a close relationship with my mom, how could I, I never spent any time with her, she may as well been a hired help as far as the time we spent together. Even today when we talk on the phone she talks about a big list of what housework or yardwork she has done, every tiny mundane thing!  Exciting conversation let me tell you.

Tags: housework, quality time with kids, chores, attention, clean house

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