Hey Im a single working father of 3 boys. Between working all day and cleaning all night i still cant seem to keep my house clean. On my Days off it seams that cleaning is all i have time for. Is there any tips for making cleaning a little easier on me so I have more time with my boys after work and on my days off?

some one has to have an idea? no?

Hey Dallas,

Must be a slow day/weekend...just logged on meself.

Ok, not sure how old your boys are but they're never too young to start learning to p/u.

For starters, get a few clear plastic bins w/ covers (Walmart -5-10 bucks ea) and a bag of age appropriate goodies (dollar store). Give each child a bin to keep their toys in and tell them that's where they need to keep them. Before dinner each night, tell them they need to put their toys away before supper. You'll have to promise a reward. (1 thing from the Dollar store goodies) Once they get the hang of that, adapt it to chores, ie - vaccumming/dusting/laundry/etc.

You could also do a "game night" once a week that you can tell them..."anyone who can do their chores every day gets to play on game night"...anyone who doesn't complete their tasks, doesn't get to play. Since spending time w/ you seems to be primary, that may be a better way to get them motivated to help out.

Also, if your bathroom is big enough, get one of those laundry divider hampers.....great for 2+ that know their colors...and it will help out too!

Hope this helps and maybe someone else will have other comments down the road.

Good luck and keep your chin up!

Caitlin

ya got me....I've got 3 teens...and they just seem to make BIGGER messes! LOL

Plus 3 good size dogs...and 3 cats.

My once new carpets and rugs are trashed...time to call in the professionals I think. for me, I mean.

I know some things I DO...
use paper plates and bowls a lot....
- Make each person rinse they're stuff out after dinner.
- Have the sink full of water to presoak stuff so it's easy and quick to load diswasher...
- Have a load of going in and out of the washer at all times so it doesnt get backed up.

Everyone has to chip in, on a daily basis...otherwise things dont get done.

Take one day to completely clean and organize the house. Then spend 30 minutes every evening straightening up what is out of place. On Saturday, I do bigger things like floors and big bathroom stuff but still only spend about 2 hours. While kids are bathing, you can use that time to clean the bathroom sink or do the dishes. Make the bed every morning and pick up toys or out of place things before bed. I vacuum before I leave for work every day. If you space it out, it doesn't seem like you are cleaning constantly. Obviously, with kids the house will never be perfect, but it can at least be comfortable. If there is a bigger mess, I recurit my daughter. We play "drill sergent" and I bark out orders one at a time. She does it, salutes me and asks for her next duty. LOL She really likes it if I make it a game.

god i hate cleaning the bathroom its discusting lol. bad enoughi have two kids in diapers still and they stinky

quote:

Originally posted by Dallasblair82:
Hey Im a single working father of 3 boys. Between working all day and cleaning all night i still cant seem to keep my house clean. On my Days off it seams that cleaning is all i have time for. Is there any tips for making cleaning a little easier on me so I have more time with my boys after work and on my days off?

Hire a maid! and then send her my way. Just kidding...

My kids are teens so I'm passed the young mother stage, however, I find that I still have to tell them clean after yourselves...it just doesn't end. It's not as bad now as when they were little. Thank God!

lol ill take that into consideration next payday

Dallas,

Sorry I couldn't you give better advice. I struggled those chores as well. Got tired of picking after 4; I should have been picking up after 3 kids not 3 kids and 1 adult.


BTW

i know how you feel. luckiely im just picking up after 3 kids now......or i try to atleaste

I only have one kid and he is 7 but it is still hard. I work full time, am out of the house from 6:30 am till 6:00pm. By the time I get home, straighten up, make dinner, bath time...homework...play time....I am exhausted!!!
It is so difficult. But...you do what you can and save the rest for tomorrow. You will never get it all done (well, unless you get that maid that was recommended) at least until your kids are grown and out of the house.
Sometimes I look at things and think to myself, Can't I let this wait another 12 years??????

That is when mine will be out of the house...(hopefully!)

Well actually, I am starting all over again so lets add another 7 years.....OMG!!!!

It will never end and my house will never be as clean as I want it to be. Accept it!!!!!

Well, I have a secret hope every year at income tax time to get a maid service in to do a good cleaning....but I never do it. I guess when it comes down to it...I could use the money for better things...well, not better but more reasonable. I can clean the house myself. Just don't want to.

Jennie.

Oh, and by the way...your boys are sooo cute!!!

Love the Mohawks!!!! Gave my son one once...he made me take it off cause he was afraid the kids at school would tease him....

Then asked for it back 3 months later!!!

Kids....

Jennie.

I just keep finding girlfriends that like to clean with lots of free time


treat them right

and you may get lucky and they will clean your place or at least help out

lol ummmm i not sure is my fiance would like that. but great idea otherwise lmao

Lots of free time to clean???

Don't know what that is...