I’ve been thinking a lot lately about having a more peaceful home. Not too long ago I wrote about how I am trying to NOT yell at my kids in the article, The Voice of Domestic Peace. Part of working on that goal is working on eliminating stress from my life. There is a direct correlation between stress in my life, and how often I raise my voice at my kids. I want it to stop.
Unfortunately, like the rest of the world, there are a lot of things that cause me stress. It is in my genetics to have stress. Coping with it is another issue entirely. However, I feel like there are small changes I can make to help alleviate stress. One major issue that always frustrates me is a messy, dirty home. I can’t help it, but I have to have a clean house, or I am just not happy. And, we all know the saying, “If mama ain’t happy…” With three children now, I have to become more organized to have a tidier home.
There are plenty of sayings out there that indicate that if you home is messy, than you have happier kids. In my case, I disagree. Like the one, “Good Moms have sticky floors, dirty ovens, piles of laundry, and happy kids” Or however it goes. In fact, there are moms everywhere that post this sign in their home. And, that is great for them. I think it truly is important to do what is best for your own family. I have my reasons though why to me, a clean house is a happy house.
I guess the number one reason is that I believe that peace comes from a tidy home. If we look at the church buildings, or temples, it would never be allowed to be disorganized or messy. The church gets cleaned every week. Why should our homes be any different?
I want my kids to learn the value of cleaning. I had to clean a lot as a kid. Sometimes, I think it was a little too much. There is a balance, and finding that is key. But, I want my kids to understand that they are responsible for their belongings, and that having a clean room can make you happy.
Last, I am happy. I am a better Mom. I am more relaxed. I want to do other things if my house is already clean like play on the floor with my kids, etc. etc. My kids will feel that I am happier, too. Need I go on?
While having a messy house may work for some people, I know it doesn’t work with me. But, we all have to take baby steps. And, I’m getting organized one shelf at a time.