Written by Steady Mom contributor Eren of Vintage Chica
I love, love, love being a stay-at-home mom to my three boys and all that it entails. I’d never ever want to trade it for the world.
But just between you and me, the monotony of the day to day grind can get to me. The dishes, the laundry, the lunches, the laundry, the homework, the laundry. You know.
It's not that I am ungrateful for the chance to stay at home with my boys. I realize it is a gift. I really do.
Sometimes it just all gets a bit…well, dull.
So I’ve been thinking about how to make the monotonous times in my day a bit more exciting.
Here is the list I’ve come up with so far.
1. Take It Outside.
Yesterday I stared at the two loads of laundry piled on the couch. I had a fleeting thought that I would so much rather be outside in the garden instead of inside folding yet another pile of t-shirts and underwear.
Instead, I picked up the entire laundry basket and headed out the back door to the patio. My patio table is now my most favorite place to fold.
2. Time It.
Hey, the timer works for my kids. I’ve discovered it works for me as well. Set the timer and see how quickly you can complete the task at hand.
So far my record for sweeping the entire downstairs is 6 minutes 22 seconds. And knowing that it only takes 11 minutes to make lunches makes them a bit more “doable.”
3. Just Add Flowers.
There’s just something about flowers on the kitchen table. Or any table for that matter. Flowers immediately elevate the room and make me want the rest of the room to live up to their standard.
In no time the homework is put away and all that is left on the kitchen table are those pretty posies.
4. Turn Up The Music.
Music makes everything more fun. The boys wake up happier if I turn on a little Renee & Jeremy in their room on before they even get out of bed. Making dinner is a bit more enjoyable with a bit of Prince.
Let’s face it, everything is more fun with some fun tunes on the player!
5. Reward Yourself.
Photo by basheertome
I hate paying bills. It just might be my most dreaded task. And my procrastination was getting pretty bad. So several years ago I decided that if I rewarded myself with something I loved while doing the chores I most hated, I might get them done in a more timely manner.
Now, once a month or so on the way home from dropping my boys off at school I grab a “fancy coffee” and a muffin to eat while I pay bills. It's such a small thing, but I haven’t paid a bill late since.
Do you have tricks that make daily chores a bit more fun? Do you have a favorite tune to clean to? I’m still compiling my list, so please share yours in the comments!
When Eren is not at the local thrift store, she can be found barefoot in her backyard garden or at the sewing machine. Eren shows how she puts a little vintage into modern day living at her blog, Vintage Chica.
