How can I stay organized with three children under three years of age? They all have different personalities and make messes. I feel like all I do is clean, only to see it messed up five minutes later. I'm a stay at home mom. My husband thinks I stick to schedules too much, but his advice doesn't help. Do you have any ideas about keeping everything tidy?
Three under three is certainly going to put you in the position of cleaning all the time. While organization is a good goal, applying it will be very different at home than in an office — or a home without children. Keeping everything tidy is not a reasonable goal and you'd do well not to put that kind of pressure on yourself. With three toddlers, you'll maintain more of your sanity if your goal is to keep up with them.
I had two under two. Now I have three in college. The "mess" doesn't go away, it just changes shape and geographical location.
Keeping a schedule (this happens at this time, that happens at that time) can be daunting with three little ones. A routine (this happens after this — regardless of the time — and then we do that) might be more accommodating for everyone, especially you.
Mornings can start when everyone wakes, not necessarily at 8AM. We eat, we clean up, we watch a program, we play outside, we snack, we play outside some more, we eat lunch. This doesn't have to happen by the clock to go smoothly and successfully.
Do remember, "Stay at Home Mom" doesn't mean you have to stay at home. Check into your local resources for playgroups and parks. Network with other moms about scheduling playgroups and exchanging babysitting.
Children cannot mess up what they can't reach, see, or know is there. Keep breakables and other valuables up and away. If necessary, put them out of sight completely. While it may seem like you'll never see your things again, the reality is that the days are long and the years are short. This means you'll be bringing your things down and back into view before you know it.
Article comments
1 - High Heels
I have three children, two of whom are 14 months apart, and I think this advice is superb.
I would like to add that messy play also has a place... try three lemons each: one peeled, one whole and one halved, and an assortment of blunt implements - wooden spoons, metal spoons, lemon squeezer, plastic jug, spoon, bowls.... all on a big old sheet which can act as a rug and a scoop-up for afterwards...
A peaceful but interesting hour of messy fun... including the discovery of sourness, ingestion of vitamin C, co-operation... then chuck it all in the wash/garbage. Leaves a lovely smell too.
2 - Andrea
I have two under three and yes they are messy. i have designated a closet for toys, and I try not to worry if it is clean or not. I also only let them play outside or in the livingroom or bedrooms. My room, the baby's room and the media room and the kitchen is off limits and this keeps the mess in a more manigable place.