Parenting Column
By Meagan Ruffing
Parenting Journalist Meagan Ruffing has already started cleaning out closets and getting things ready to toss, donate, and sell. She’s looking forward to less stuff and more time with her children this spring.
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS AND A CLEAN HOUSE!
W
inter is my favorite time of the year, but I have to say, springtime is coming in at a close second. Cleaning has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing, and there’s something about open windows with the fresh air that puts me in the mood to clean. I yell, “Alexa! Turn on country music,” and she knows exactly what I like. I grab the broom and get to it. Before I know it, I’m in full swing and the house is well under way for a deep clean. To make the idea of spring cleaning more enjoyable for those who might not be as excited as I am, I’ve come up with a few unique ways to keep things fun.
1. Get the kids to help.
I realize this might ADD to the mess, but it’s a good way to get the kids to pitch in and realize the importance of doing their share. Make it a weekly thing and consider giving them an allowance. Sometimes a small incentive means a big life lesson and isn’t that part of what raising kids is all about?
2. Put on comfy clothes.
You know which ones I’m talking about. The clothes that you love to put on but can’t stand for anyone else to see
you in —Yeah, those ones. Put them on. Throw your hair up in a messy bun and get to it. I always treat myself to a warm bubble bath or a long shower after a full day of cleaning. Sometimes I’ll even add in a facemask or bath bomb if I have the energy.
3. Light a yummy candle.
I’m in LOVE with a candle right now that a friend gifted me. It’s called Paris Café, and it smells like coffee. Every time I walk into the living room from another room in the house, I’m immediately met with roasted coffee beans with a hint of something sweet. I absolutely love it.
4. Hydrate. No, seriously.
You’d be amazed at how thirsty you can get while cleaning the house. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I’m doing that I haven’t realized several hours have passed by. Whatever your choice of beverage is, keep it close by so you can keep the momentum going. I like to start my morning off with coffee, move to water, and then sip on a La Croix. I have quite the routine.
5. Call a friend or family member.
Between working full-time and being a full-time graduate student, I don’t have much time to call people like I used to. One of my favorite things about getting into my cleaning routine is being able to call someone and catch up. I con-
sider it to be one of my best self-care practices.
6. Put out a new dish towel.
Did you know that I always used to take my grandmother’s dish towels when I’d go to visit her? I’d sneak them in my bag because I loved the way they smelled just like her house. Ever since then, I’ve continued the tradition of buying myself new dish towels when I see one that catches my eye. I also gift them to my friends from time to time because I love the special meaning they hold for me. It’s my unique way of letting my friends know that I love them like family. Whenever I’m cleaning, I like to put out a freshly washed dish towel or a new one that I’m excited about using.
7. Nap.
Perhaps my favorite thing about cleaning the house is the nap I take afterward. I’m usually exhausted after having cleaned from the moment I woke up until late afternoon so a long nap is well-deserved. I hope you welcome this year’s April showers and May flowers with a renewed sense of excitement for beautiful weather and a clean house. There’s nothing better than getting things tidied up for the season.
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