I have three with one on the way. It’s a constant struggle to keep the place livable. Before I had children I was not a neat person and kept things livable by not doing things that made mess and staying out as much as possible. Can’t do that with kids, so what’s the trick?

  • paddirn@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    5 months ago

    That’s the neat part, you don’t. I have three kids myself and have to act like a drill instructor at times.

    • I have to set rules and stay on their asses constantly, even then it’s a struggle. Biggest one is kids must eat at the dinner table, no exceptions, they’re just terrible with food and can’t be trusted.
    • I’ve tried to mostly lay out my furniture such that nothing is against the walls. Kids love throwing shit behind stuff where you’ll never see it. Leaving a space against walls at least makes it easier to spot.
    • Check underneath stuff often, they like sneaking food and hiding it, where it will rot and get gross.
    • Telling them to clean up themselves gives mixed results. My sons don’t like cleaning and do a piss-poor job of it, my daughter actually like cleaning/organizing and helps out.
    • I have a bunch of storage bench/seats around for loose toys, so no matter which room we’re in, toys have a place to go, plus you can sit on them when they’re closed. We don’t have a basement, so I had to adjust to not being able just toss stuff in a basement.
    • klemptor@startrek.website
      0·
      5 months ago

      My sons don’t like cleaning and do a piss-poor job of it, my daughter actually likes cleaning/organizing and helps out.

      Is this actually true, or is she just more compliant?

    • sbv@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      5 months ago

      That’s a pretty solid list.

      We’re firm on the “food stays in the dining room” thing. We also have toy free zones in the kitchen, dining room, and living room.