For a long time, I would not have visitors over at my place because I was embarrassed by how my home looked.
It was messy.
Clean laundry in baskets as you enter the door, toys and papers all over the coffee table in the seating area, Lego pieces over the floor (OUCH when you accidentally step on them!), random toys on my couch and books that are everywhere except on the shelf.
As much as I try to keep things organized, it is really hard with two young children and two pets who require so much of my attention. I find myself stressing almost every evening — yelling at my kids to put their stuff away while making sure that there is dinner on the table AND clean clothes available so the kids can get ready for bedtime.
There were times where I got so stressed out about the mess that I forgot about the gift that was in front of me: My children. My children need me. I was guilty for yelling at them and making every evening a chore rather than spending it creating new memories.
As mothers, I think we all need to stop worrying about a messy house. I can totally relate when I visit a mommy friend and her house is just like mine. I find myself saying to her, “Don’t worry about it, seriously!” when she keeps apologizing as I walk in.
Moms, guess what? You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. You don’t even have to worry about a messy house the next time someone comes over. You know why? Here’s what a messy house actually means.
Here’s what a messy house means:
1. A messy house means happy children. They are playing with their toys and growing their imagination/thinking skills. They are exploring, having fun and making the best out of it.
2. It is lived in and lived well. Pots and pans hanging around mean that there’s food on the table every day. Clothes are on the floor because someone wore them that day. It is a real home.
3. Familiarity. It’s a place where people can “be themselves” and take care of other important stuff first. It is a form of expression and a judgment-free zone.
4. Time well spent. Instead of spending time cleaning, sorting, and clearing the house, that time is spent on something more valuable – work and family time.
And if that's not enough to convince you, perhaps this will.
A recent study suggested that a messy house is a sign of creativity and intelligence. A brilliant mind could be getting in the way of your ability to deal with your physical environment.
Some theories as to why this is true have to do with self-esteem and bandwidth. Intelligent people are not bothered by what others think of them … or their house. And deep thinking and the creative mind take up a lot of “brain juice.” They are absorbed in complex ideas and do not have space for other mundane tasks, such as cleaning.
When Albert Einstein came up with the theory of relativity, it’s not surprising that he did not take time to also wash dishes or get laundry done.
So in other words, it’s absolutely fine to have a messy house. In fact, it could be a sign of your brilliance! Don’t worry about it, moms! Spend time with your family and focus on making memories with your little ones first!
Source: LEARNING MIND
This article was republished with permission from theAsianParent.
theAsianparent is a publication under Tickled Media Pte Ltd. Started in September 2009, it is the largest parenting website in Southeast Asia, targeted at urban parents and parents-to-be who live in Asia or are of Asian heritage. theAsianparent speaks to every stage and priority of an Asian mom’s journey — from pre-conception to pregnancy, to breastfeeding, and even how to raise smart, strong and kind children.
