Getting things done around the house

Kristen - posted on 02/11/2011

Just enjoy your kids. Clean when people are coming over or me and my hubby have weekend night cleanings. geta bottle of wine and clean the house lol. As long as they are happy and not falling over a mess just let it be. I gave up trying to keep up. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and twin 8 months olds. My 2 yr old makes enough mess for all 3 but they are happy so thats all that matters. Enjoy them the president isnt coming over anytime soon!!

Sally - posted on 01/18/2011

i feel your pain buh dont have any answers sorry,
mine r 3 and dont nap have not since 1 its a nightmare either stay up late cleaning or give up lool as long as its livable i'm sure you'll cope :)

Anissa - posted on 01/18/2011

I think a lot of the problem is their attention span. I can't put them up to any "task" for a time to amount to much. OH well, thanks for the great suggestions girls! Have a great week!

Jodi - posted on 01/18/2011

I don't know what kind of floors you have, but I give my daughter a little dish of water and a sponge and let her have it. She also likes to use paintbrushes on the floor, I only do that on days when I plan to mop though. (my twins aren't born yet btw, but these are all things I used when I ran my in home daycare and had anywhere from 2-6 kids running around.)

-let them wash the windows with a very diluted vinegar/water solution, they love to spray and wipe up!
-give them dusters or rags and have them dust everything they can reach!
-using a dish pan, fill with a drop of soap and a little bit of water, give them a washcloth and a few plates,bowls and/or cups to "wash" while you do dishes, or load the washer or whatever.
-I found child-sized laundry baskets at the dollar store, have them "fold" or sort socks, undies, doll clothes, washclothes etc etc.
-invest in an aqua-doodle mat (or 2), or paint by water books for them to do while you clean up.

Best of luck!

Angie - posted on 01/17/2011

Can you do it when they nap?? What time do they go to bed? Can you do some stuff after that? Or what about when your partner gets home from work so that he can watch them for a while.

Tami - posted on 01/16/2011

My twins, when they don't nap, "help" dust the house. I give them each a duster and tell them to do everything. As I vaccum or wash dishes or whatever, I keep asking if they remembered to dust "this" or "that". They dust the couch, the walls, the carpet, whatever they need to keep them busy so I can do the real work. The house isn't as clean or as organized as before kids, but I'd rather spend quality time with them than have a pristine house. Now that they're older, they help me sort socks and seperate their underwear into piles (who has time to fold tiny underwear?!) Then they bring their underwear pile upstairs and put it in their bin. They share socks so those go into the same sock bin. (Bins are easier than drawers since they tend to slam each others fingers in drawers. The bins stay in the bottom of their closet. Everything is color colded for twinA, twinB, or both. The colors also help me and them clean up their toys and stop fights before they start.) Back to the topic: I am also teaching them how to rinse off dishes and utensils (not knives) and load the dishwasher for me. While they do that, I can wash the foyer and kitchen floor. Any water that splashes onto the floor is fine since I'm washing it anyway. I only do this in the morning before they are in daytime clothes since their pjs usually get wet. They have a blast rinsing the previous nights dishes and the breakfast dishes too! Once they're asleep my hubby and I do any other cleaning I didn't get done, like washing the new baby's toys, cleaning her bottles, whatever else. Also, when I clean windows (or toys) I just use a homemade spray of 1 part vinegar, 3-4parts water, so they can help and if they drink it or get sprayed in the eye, it's safe! None of that has happened...yet. They love thier spray bottles. And when they lick the windows-why do kids do that?!-I know it's ok, gross, but safe. Hope this helps!

Cat - posted on 01/16/2011

My girls dont nap anymore either, they're 3... It took some getting used to, but, on the days that they are clingy, I dont get as much done, simple as that... I can get things clean on the days that my husband is around, or those few days that they are distracted with a movie/tv show or are actually playing together happily with one of their toys... It is actually not as rare an occurance now as it used to be... I also have the back half of my house baby-gated off, where the laundry room is, so I can go over there to do laundry without them following me and getting into stuff... It takes some juggling, and some days my house looks like a bomb hit it, but for the most part they're healthy happy kids, and that is indeed the most important part...

Andrea - posted on 01/14/2011

Only when they are sleeping. Hopefully they go to sleep early. If you don't go to sleep at 7 with them you can catch up somewhat in the evening. Or you can go to bed early with them and get up early before they do. I would actually prefer this, I could get much more done rested but I am a night person so I am up late. At 2 I didn't do much cleaning but I learned some tricks from the flylady. I still use the tricks and the house looks great (with a grain of salt, of course we are not perfect in a perfectly clean house LOL). I started when my twins were about 1-2 years old. Before that I had some cleaning help every two weeks and then once a month and we used only one room with the kids so the rest of the house was in order. It is easy to keep one room clean. If you let the whole house be used all at once, that's tough to keep it organized. Have rooms for different use and it will be easy. Bathroom should have only soap and towels and the necessities for keeping clean, bedroom is for sleeping, no toys allowed there unless it's the kids' room. Guest room is off limits to all of us. Living room is where we live and I can see the kids. We used gates everywhere we could. My kids are 6 now and the system works very well. However we have more toys that can get out of hand if I am not on top of getting the kids to help me clean up once in a blue moon. The gates are for the dogs only now. Try flylady.com for ideas and do just little things at a time. There might be things you can do while they are with you. Declutter if you can. It saved my sanity.

Britta - posted on 01/10/2011

I instilled the idea - you can walk you can help. Yes things get broken or you have to clean up but sometimes they really do help - mine are not even 2 and have been helping set the table (they come to me I give them the silverware or plate...and have them take it to the table and so on) When I dust I give them a rag and tell them to "wipe wipe" I let them clean the toilet while I clean the sinks and mirrors. I sit them on the washer and have them throw clothes in, and when the washer is done I throw all the clothes on the floor and we load the dryer. You just have to learn to incorporate them in your tasks and not set to many cause then you feel like you failed. Pick one chore a day and get that done and you will feel like you actually got something accomplished. Good luck

Ida - posted on 01/09/2011

I bought each child their own cleaning equipment the minute they could walk. cleaning up became a family activity from that point on. At 17 years of age they keep my house with a white ceramic floor and taupe marble bathrooms clean

Shawn - posted on 01/09/2011

I would put my kids in their highchair and tell them what I was doing, so they feel like they are helping. I would give them measuring spoon and cups. Sometimes let them watch Educational programs. I would sometimes wait until they went to bed at night or just let it go and just enjoy your beautiful little ones

Diane - posted on 01/07/2011

Nap time is chore time for me, otherwise, I just do what I can when I can and don't expect things to perfect. Enjoy the clinginess now because it doesn't last long and then you will be chasing them for hugs.

Heather - posted on 01/05/2011

I was told when my twins were born by our nurse that if she walked into a home with small children and it was clean, she instantly was concerned that the children were being neglected! It was the nicest and most reassuring thing anyone could have ever said to me!

That being said, I still long for a clean house... it just doesn't happen very often :( One thing you can do is to let them 'help' you. Give them a spray bottle with water in it and a towel and let them wash the walls (just keep an eye on your electronics!), another thing is to make a game out of vacuuming. Chase them with the vacuum (make sure you make it fun and don't frighten them). Another thing I have done is filled both sinks full of soapy water and let them "wash" the dishes while I did something else, then I mopped the floor with all the water that they spilled! :) But they were entertained for close to an hour with that one! I put a few plastic dishes in there for them to clean and they each got a sponge.

Tracy - posted on 01/05/2011

Anissa,

I TOTALLY know what you mean by "clinging and up your rear end!!!" My girls are 14.5 months and sometimes I can't get anything done either because they are soooooo clingy!. My one daughter gets so clingy/whiney that I have to drop everything to distract her (which can take 5-20 minutes). Eventually I do get back to cleaning but it can be really annoying some days. I have found that my daughters are usually like that when they are tired. In fact one will not even let me put her down sometimes (which I REALLY need to work on!). Even though she occasionally resists, I put her down for a nap when she get like that because I know she is tired. That is when I get stuff done around the house. Don't know if you are willing to reintroduce naps though or if you kids even need naps at this stage.



My aunt and sister who both have run day homes (child care for ages 1-4) suggest toddlers keep one nap until at least 3. I also read something similar in a book about babies and sleep. I guess it is developmental thing. But every kid is different and you know your kids best.



For what it is worth I have a friend who reintroduced nap-time after 3 months of no naps. She thought her son was OK without naps but the doctor actually suggested it. Her son was 28 or 29 months at the time. It was not easy but it only took about 10 days... the first 3 were the toughest and she had to be house bound during nap-time for the first little while. Of course she didn't have twins. If you consider this you might want to start when hubby is home for support (assuming he is helpful and on the same page!!) ... if that is possible.



I agree with Lillie though... they are only little for so long so maybe ignore those dishes once in awhile!

Lillie - posted on 01/05/2011

An older woman I knew that had 3 sets of twins told me....they are only little for so long. Which memory do you want? Washing that sink full of dishes or the time you spent playing with your kids? Don't feel guilty if your house is not spotless. Your kids will grow up soon enough and you will have plenty of time for cleaning then. This is very true my twin boys are 6 now and trust me it gets better.

Anissa - posted on 01/04/2011

No Julixa they do not nap. They gave those up 6 mos ago.........and they are 2 years old. Suggestions?

Julixa - posted on 01/04/2011

Can you at least get one to nap? How old are they?

Amanda - posted on 01/04/2011

My twins are 2 yrs old. The only time during the day I can really get things done is when they nap, and after they go to bed. They will help me with laundry during the day, but I cant clean or get the dishes done b/c they require alot of attention and want me to play with them. Its hard, especially b/c I have to fit everything in while they are sleeping, so sometimes I dont get any "me" time. But Im hoping it will get easier as they get older. I would try to get them to help you with whatever it is you are trying to get done. Sorry Im not more help - good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 01/04/2011

Ha ha ha! That's such a funny question! I don't get things done unless they are sleeping, or my wonderful mother in law comes over and keeps them occupied while I do things. They do want to help though, so when they're awake I let them help me unload the dishwasher, or "fold" laundry. They hand me things, and I do the rest. That way I am getting something done (even if slowly!), and they feel like big boys.
Good luck with your house....if you find a way to get things done, pass it on to me!

Anissa - posted on 01/04/2011

That is the problem, they do not nap, and they are over 2 so exersaucers are a thing of the distant past, and by the time they go to bed, I am so dog dead tired that I don't feel like cleaning and such. Lol. Oh well....they won't be little for long (I have a 17 year old, and let me tell ya, feels like yesterday that she was born).

Melissa - posted on 01/03/2011

When my twins were born, I had a 1 year old, a 2 year old and a 10 year old at home. Talk about crazy busy. I was able to do what I needed to do to keep my house clean and organized at all times without the help of a maid or anyone. You do it while they are napping, after they go to bed at night, or if they are old enough, put them in a exersaucer for a bit and fold some laundry while talking to them. If you want to get it done, you can get it done!!

Marie - posted on 01/03/2011

oh geez yeah, or when i do get both babies down for a nap at the same time (seriously, like once every 2 weeks) and get a semi relaxing shower ..my older 2 will keep coming in and out of the washroom telling me they need to wash their hands or use the washroomt too...ahh kids..it's all worth it :)

Anissa - posted on 01/03/2011

Lol Marie! I know what you mean about using the bathroom by yourself, mine are the same way...if I shut the door and lock them out, then I have to listen to them screaming and kicking the door. So it's easier to just let them in there with me. What I hate is when someone else is in the house, and they keep opening the bathroom door when I am in there. LOL!!!!!

Marie - posted on 01/03/2011

getting things done around the house is almost not an option for me..during lunch i get as much done in the kitchen or bathroom as i can, because otherwise they expect me to stay in the other end of the house..i can't even use the washroom by myself anymore unless i want them on the other side of the door screaming and kicking..they don't nap at the same time either, and i definitely don't have enough to hire a maid (although i would LOVE IT!) sometimes putting a movie on (they rarely like watching anything on tv) and tip toeing away works for a whole 10 mins..but that's 10 mins i coudn't have gotten otherwise! i went nuts after christmas too

Jaime - posted on 01/03/2011

I have 15month old twins and a 4, almost 5 year old. I know exactly what you are going through! My kids are always making a mess behind me as I clean up their last one. Sometimes it just seems so much easier(and faster) to clean their mess up myself. I also have a 13year old who lives with my mother, neither of them are clean, active people, so my mother's house is a mess, and my 13year olds rooms is SCARY! So I agree with the people who say try to get them to help(teach them to be clean people early on in life), I sometimes get a chair and get my 4year old to stand beside me while I do the dishes, she usually plays more then helps but it keeps her busy and I get the dishes done. But if your children are being clingy, I think the only thing you can do is break them of that habit. Maybe the super nanny has some tips on how to break the habit(on the website). Since I have an older child(4year old) my twins don't have all my attention so they have had to do their own thing a lot, and I wish had done that with my older girl(4year old), because since she had a lot more of my attention when she was a baby, she is more my shadow, and sometimes demands more of my attention then the twins(if you can believe that!), I am trying to break her of the clingy habit, the best thing, I think, is to introduce someone into their life that makes them feel as good as you do, pays attention to them, and just takes care of them- like daycare, or a babysitter, a family member who can take them once and a while or can come and help out. Hope you can work this out, Good Luck!

Emily - posted on 12/30/2010

I give them a project. Set them up with some crayons and paper or a set of water colors... you can also pull out the play dough and just give them each one color and a few toys (cookie cutters; plastic spoon/fork; cups) to play with along with the play dough. Also, I would do a lot during nap time and when they went down at night. Good luck!

Melissa - posted on 12/30/2010

get them to help u, I had my kids helping me at that age, little things like dusting the low shelves with out ant breakables, thowing things in the trash and wiping counters, especially cleaning their rooms. it worked for me, make it fun like a game when they trow some thing in the trash make a big deal out of it like clap and yell YAY! lol

Anissa - posted on 12/30/2010

I should add that my girls are 2 and have given up napping already. UGH!!!

Heather - posted on 12/30/2010

I don't! I was never houseproud anyway so as long as my girls are clean, dry and well-fed I don't care about the mess. I married a neat freak so when he's home and I'm dealing with the girlies he'll do bits around the house for me, or vice versa just so I can get a break from the girls for a wee bit though that doesn't work as well because I am a baby magnet apparently and they'll just follow me about the place.

Rebecca - posted on 12/29/2010

Hire a maid? My boys are almost 3 and I found the only time I could get things done was when they were napping. They would go down for a nap and I would fold laundry, mop, vacuum, etc.

CHERYL - posted on 12/29/2010

hi my 2 go thru phases everyday dependin on their mood i can do things like washing up. they fight who is pushing the hoover.i have to do the ironing when they are having a nap or bed time. i have got used to living less organised and in a messier house

Ianina - posted on 12/28/2010

Did you tried putting them inside a little cage??? Like the ones you use with small animals to carry them around...

I am just kidding! I laugh at this posts because I'm pregnant and you girls don´t give me much to look foward too..hahahaha

Day care is not an option for you?