It’s summer. The kids are home. I wake up feeling like Mary Poppins and often end the day with an eye twitching like Cruella DeVille.
One of the hardest things for me to juggle when everyone is home is all the mess. And let me just say. There are many days we are a HOT MESS around here.
I’m not a total neat freak but the older I get the more I crave tidy, neat, orderly spaces. And the older I get I also realize there are 6 of us living here (well, 11 if you throw in two dogs, two cats and a bearded dragon) and let’s be honest – at this poing I’m the only one who cares if our house looks Pinterest worthy. I’m certainly alone on my quest for pristine white filled spaces of perfection.
The past week has been extra busy – and extra messy. I’m sure I could find a couple dozen cups laying around the house at any moment. I can lose my happy pretttttty fast. So if you can relate and you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to keep your house clean and be a fun mom and stay sane… let me just say: You’re not alone. Summer is messy and beautiful and loud and chaotic—and your house is not failing. It’s just being lived in.
So if you are like me here are some realistic, grace-filled tips to help you keep the mess manageable without (totally) losing your mind:
1. Lower the Bar (On Purpose)
This isn’t the season for spotless floors or decluttered drawers. The internet lies. Those picture perfect scenes on Instragram? Not always the case. This is the season for sidewalk chalk, melted popsicles, and sticky fingerprints. So ask yourself:
- What actually needs to stay clean daily and make a realistic list. (Dishes? Bathroom?)
- What can wait or be “good enough”? (Dusting? Toy baskets?)
Give yourself permission to focus on peace, not perfection. Thinking about something in a past season that you miss. For me it’s those chubby little baby voices! I don’t look back and regret those dirty floors. Instead, I cherish the memories I have with those sweet toddlers!! Choose one thing to let go of today. For me? It’s my van. It’s a mess. But you know what? It’s okay. Today is still a great day and I can work on that tomorrow.
2. Create a Weekly Cleaning Rhythm (Not a Daily Overhaul)
Instead of doing everything every day, try a light rotation like this. I have done this for years and had to adjust during different seasons but it feels less stressful knowing there is one extra task a day.
| Day | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Monday | Groceries/Meal Plan |
| Tuesday | Bathrooms |
| Wednesday | Extra Laundry |
| Thursday | Dust |
| Friday | Floors |
This helps you stay ahead without drowning in chores.
3. Get the Kids Involved (Even If It’s Not Perfect)
Yes, it takes longer. Yes, they’ll grumble. Yes it makes me frustrated at times. But getting them involved now makes a big difference later. My older kids are REALLY a great help (most of the time!)
Try this:
- 10-Minute Tidy Time after meals (set a timer and play music)
- Give each kid a weekly “zone” (living room, entryway, etc.)
- Use sticker charts or “mystery prize” jars for motivation
Kids can help with things like:
- Folding towels
- Emptying the dishwasher
- Vacuuming one room
- Wiping counters
- Wiping down cabinets/baseboards
- Younger kids – trash police! Let them hunt down any wild bandits on the floor.
- Dirty wipey game. I mean if you make it a competition they are SURE to get more involved. Give them a wipey and set a timer to see whose wipe is the dirtiest!
4. Simplify What You Can
- Fewer clothes = less laundry (make a summer capsule for each kid…this is on my current todo list!)
- Fewer toys = less cleanup (rotate toys weekly)
- Keep baskets and bins handy so kids can do quick cleanups by category
When there’s less stuff, there’s less mess—and less stress.
5. Anchor Cleaning to Natural Parts of the Day
Build mini-resets into your daily rhythm:
- After breakfast: unload dishwasher + start laundry
- Before lunch: quick toy pick-up
- Before screen time: clean one zone
- Evening: wipe counters (dance it out!) and do a 10-minute house reset
These little touchpoints keep the house from snowballing into disaster.
6. Shift the Mindset
You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just in a house full of people using the space.
Remember to be aware of your thoughts and shift from guilt to positive:
- “We are a family that resets and works together.”
- “This is a season, not forever.”
- “A clean-ish home is still a home full of love.”
Final Word:
Talking to myself right now. Your house doesn’t have to be perfect to be peaceful. Your kids won’t remember if the floors were spotless—but they’ll remember you dancing with a broom and making cleaning almost fun. The day will come the house will be quiet and tidy and I’m quite positive I will miss these full, chaotic days with my kids all home with me. I saw a quote recently that reminded one to enjoy the blessings of this season that you won’t have in the next. Keep the main thing the main thing!
So do you have any tips for me??? I would love to hear how you keep your sanity during the summer months!
Until next time…
Your online friend in search of a clean sink,
The Wanna Be Wow Mom
WOW MOM! 
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