It took some convincing. Hiring a house cleaner, that is. I wasn’t sure if I wanted someone in my space. And I was definitely wary of showing off our mess. I mean, dried banana on the floor and cobwebs in the corners aren’t necessarily how I’d like to welcome someone into my home.
But my husband felt it was necessary, not because I’m a bad housekeeper, but rather to alleviate some stress from my lengthy list of chores. “Laundry and dishes and kids and meals… honey, it’s enough — let someone else clean the bathrooms and mop the floor,” he said to me.
“But it’s not cheap,” I replied
To say I’m grateful is a vast understatement
Of course I pay them for their work, but still, their value far exceeds dollars in my book. It’s a special role, to invite someone into your home when it’s not looking its finest, and have them commit with vigor to return it to tip-top shape.
These sweet gals have never judged or grimaced. They always work efficiently and with a smile. Their kind-hearted attitudes have helped me relinquish so much guilt too.
Having a house cleaner doesn’t make me a bad mom or a sloppy homemaker
In fact, having a house cleaner makes me a better mom and a more productive homemaker. When I know, like clockwork, that biweekly the bathrooms, floors, and kitchen will get a deep-clean, I’m free to focus on other important tasks like tidying the kids’ closets, keeping up on laundry, and organizing the pantry.
Having a house cleaner proves that I’m a very normal mom — one who can’t do it all. Paying for help allows me to be more present with my family and tend to other chores while supporting a woman-owned and -operated business.
So, to my precious house cleaner, thank you for seeing my worst and making it better
Thank you for doing those last few breakfast dishes, sweeping all the nooks and crannies, and changing our sheets. Thank you for keeping my boys’ bathroom smelling as fresh as can be, and thank you for making the stovetop glisten despite the explosion of spaghetti sauce from last night’s dinner.
Thank you for knowing that ceiling fans ought to be dusted.
Most of all, thank you for looking past the mess and seeing a mom who is truly doing her best
I see you too. I appreciate you. I value your work, and I recommend you every chance I get.
Thank you for keeping me sane in this messy season of motherhood.
