When we have little children we often feel like being hospitable is too much trouble. It is hard to make sure the house is clean enough for company with children at our feet. What about having the time to care for the kids while preparing for a dinner? Having the holidays at a house with children can be difficult for the hostess. In this economy it can also be expensive to plan. If you have small children or plan to host families with small children how do you get over the hump of cleaning the house before, afterwards, and everything in between?
Cleaning:
Clean after the children are in bed. Throughout the day make sure the kids are picking up their toys and things are kept under control. Clean as you move through your day. But leave the dusting, mopping and deep cleaning for when the kids are in bed. Once they go to bed you can concentrate more without distraction. It may sound tiring but you will get done must faster moving without distraction.
On the day company is coming have an empty laundry basket ready to gather up last minute messes around the main areas of your house. Then take the basket up to your room to sort through later or before company arrives.
Entertaining Children:
Let’s be real. The last thing you need is a group of children destroying your child’s bedroom or toys. Have an entertainment plan for the kids. First, let go and allow for mess yet prepare for the clean up so things do not get out of control. For instance, cover your table with a plastic tablecloth and use paper products for a sundae bar. The kids will have a fantastic time and clean up will be a snap! Use packing tape and tape a plastic tablecloth to your kitchen floor or an area that is non-carpeted. Allow the kids to play with Play Doh (buy some you don’t mind having mixed), Wikki Stix, coloring books, or another fun and easy craft like foam crafts that self stick so no glue or cutting. Once the kids are done then pull up the tablecloth and the mess is gone. Think of solutions like that and plan ahead for a fun and relaxing time.
Peaceable Kingdom: Sticker Kits