Is anyone out there a real life Bree van de Kamp? If so, how do you do it?

[blondissimo]

I really want to get super organised as my life and home is just a bit blah.
Up until now I have used the excuse that I have a small baby, but as he will be one in a few weeks, I feel that excuse is wearing a bit thin.
So, what I am asking is.......
Is it really possible to be that immaculately clean and tidy and organised at all times with a small child?
If it is possible, then do you have some sort of routine?
I still want to be able to give my ds a lot of attention and make sure he has enough floor and play time.

[audley]

Hi blondissimo, my answer to that is a resounding "no"! My house is never immaculate but never takes more than 5 minutes to have downstairs presentable for guests. Upstairs is more disorganised though. I have a 16month old DS and can't get much done when he's awake. I love paying him as much attention as possible so I get him to help where I can but just have a mad 90 minutes while he naps every day.
Routine has been the key for me and I used Flylady's website to get me on track. Have stuck to it loosely for years now. Have ups and downs and it is all to easy to be permanently disappointed with yourself but Flylady teaches you how to make a difference one baby step at a time and that even things done imperfectly still bless the family.

Best of luck!

[blondissimo]

Thank you Audley - do you have a link for flylady - I shall look into that!

[zeke]

I agree, flylady is cool!

Don't put youself under loads of pressure to be 'perfect' though - no one is.

I remember watching an episode of 'cleanaholics' and this woman had a completely spotless house with a young baby BUT (and she said this herself) she rarely interacted with her as she was too busy cleaning all the time.

Didn't Bree's kids end up hating her.....?!

[cikecaka]

How about the slatterns thread, we post out lists and mark them off as done when jobs are finished!

[Mintyy]

No - but then when I am childfree (such as when babies nap) I prefer to spend time doing the stuff I enjoy rather than manic housework .

[booyhoo]

it is possible to be bree van de kamp but only if youre prepared to ignore your dcs, OH, social life and never get to sit down and enjoy your nice clean home.

relax, as long as your house is clean enough that none of you will get sick then just do the rest as and when you can. your baby would prefer to play with you than watch you dust.