On Housekeeping - I Confess

I've always been a little unconventional. When people are zigging. I like to zag. I question authority... and my sanity daily.

Recently a friend stopped by to pick up his kids from a play date. I was startled to find him standing in my family room with a curious look on his face, sniffing the air. He looked puzzled and said 'it smells... like a camp fire or something in here... what. is. that. smell?'

A million answers shot into my brain.. not one of them the truth. And when it was time to talk, I burst into chortles and laughter instead; amused and mortified that I had finally been caught and certain this dad was going to think I was nuts!

I proceeded to tell him it was the smell of a gasoline powered.... leaf blower.

'In your HOUSE?'.

Yes my friend. In my house.

So this is where I'll defend my housekeeping skills and perhaps even inspire you with some new ideas.

I have a dog that sheds, 4 boys, no time... and not a whole lot of interest in housekeeping.

Enough said.

My entire downstairs in hardwood floors and the dirt that accumulates is breath taking. I sweep the floors daily with a broom but some days, especially warm ones when I can open the doors, I break out the leaf blower and go to town. The dog hides and the children shriek... and YES, dust blows everywhere. BUT. I get those places a broom would never reach AND I do it in half the time. NOT perfect but pretty darn brilliant if you ask me.

I use it in my car, as well. I open all the doors and power that puppy up. And I have a thing for power-washers and chainsaws too, but that's for another time.

Nonetheless, I'm on to something.

So how does this relate to parenting?

• Do what you gotta do and don't feel guilty about it. If your house isn't perfect or you don't make your kids homemade birthday cakes. It's fine. You're fine.
• Be open to other options - think outside of the box! Consider that the same (parenting) tools your parents used may be worn out and need updating!
• Sometimes your parenting (and life) need an overhaul; break out the 'leaf blower' on occasion and blow out the old spider webs that are cluttering your life; shake things up!
• Dare to be different - Just because everyone you know screams, yells and sends their kids to time-out, doesn't mean there's not another way (that's a lot more fun and effective!).

So go on now.

And have fun!

...if you're not already half way to your garage....