You are so right to want to spend time with your kids and play with them. They should be your top priority, however, we do want to have clean homes to play in. {I’m not talking about floors so clean you can eat off them or anything.} Not only that, we need to teach our kids the value of work and responsibility. Kids need to see us taking care of our property. We need to teach them how to do the tasks so when they leave home they will know how to be independent, self sufficient, and responsible citizens. I believe it’s all about balance. I’ve begun to detest that word, but it is so true. Besides, we can still spend time with our children while teaching them to help around the house. I’m not perfect at this at all. And all the piles I showed you are 90% my doing, not my kids. But I think to myself, “if the kids see me leaving these piles around they might think it’s acceptable. They also won’t want to pick up their own rooms.”

I can tell you are a wonderful Mom, Jen! I’m thinking we need to create a group to help us motivate and encourage each other to get our tasks accomplished? Hmmm…something to consider. What do you think?

Good luck with your Mary Kay Business debut and Daughter’s baby shower. I completely understand your anxiety about the house. I have become a master at hiding things…which is why my closets {all but the recently organized…miracle…playroom closet} are a night mere! And you are right, writing is excellent therapy. I am happy to find others do understand.

I am grateful God brought us together, Bernice. I know I can learn a LOT from you!

The book recommended is ‘The New Messies Manual’ by Sandra Felton. I added a link to this book {via Amazon} on my post here.

You asked how I knew I should go to a professional. Honestly, I already had been seeing a psychiatrist for depression. The next time I visited him I showed him the book and the chapter on ADD.

I definitely understand where you are coming from. When my kids were young it was always a delicate balance on play time with them and cleaning. I would get so tired from jumping around the house and nothing visible to show after the day ended. It is very defeating. My Mom worked full time and I remember us preparing the house for company as you were describing, but for me, I felt I shouldn’t be doing that since I’m a full time Family Manager.

I have to say that hiring a housekeeper is something I recommend highly. I find it worth every single penny. For my sanity, it is worth giving up clothing, entertainment purposes, eating out, etc. I think people don’t realize how affordable it can be. For example, if you hired a housekeeper to come once a month, depending on where you live in the country, and how big your house is, it could be as low as $60 for 3 hours. $20 an hour. $60 is not a lot for a month. It’s something to consider. Some people spend that much money or more on coffee per month.

I am grateful your Mom is willing to come and help you. I wouldn’t feel bad about her helping you at all. What a great Mom! Feel free to email me with any more questions or to talk.

I loved what this person said, though: “I want my kids in a (reasonably) clean home, but I also want them to remember a mom who played with them instead of cleaned all the time. These days go fast my friend, my kids wont beg me to play with them forever and when those days come, well, then I’ll clean! ”

We are at home today trying to clean clean but keep getting sidetracked. Which is ok, I guess, but jumping from thing to thing is not good for any of us. How did you know you needed to be diagnosed by a professional?!