help!!! need a tidying up/housekeeping routine for my 4 and 8 yrs old and me!!

[biglips]

They tidy up their bedroom that they both share but not in a routine as I intends to forget cos im looking after my 6m ds who is a breastfed baby and just started to wean him too so its hard to keep on top of everything as I do Hoover and each dishes every day and dp does help me with things but he's a untidy person.

I feel everything is too overwhelming and I throw everything into our bedroom and shut the door. ...i cant see the carpet.

I come from a very tidy home and now my home is an eye sore. The only room is tidy is the bathroom and hallway.

My mum is coming to help on Monday to starts on my bedroom

[Nanny0gg]

First question:
Does everything have a home that it could be put into?

[biglips]

Yes it does as just need tidying up. The stuff ive gotta sort out are in bags and there are about 10 bags

Just wanted to know what does your kids do at that age

[Nanny0gg]

Tidy up toys before tea.
4 year-old will need help but as long as they have somewhere to go it's easy.
Put their own laundry in the washing basket.
8 year-old can lay the table and make bed.
4 year-old can 'help' you.
DP needs to learn to put stuff away, or I suggest you dump all his stuff by his side of the bed!

[biglips]

Thanks nanny as ive now printed out a table of the things they should be doing on a daily basis. Hope this will work

[Startail]

Why do you Hoover everyday?
No dog, no crawling baby?

Why do people look for house work?

[biglips]

Because my living rm carpet is dark green and ive got a tortoise shell cat with alot of white hair on chest and underneath, plus us 3 have long hair so hair is on the carpet and everyday crumbs and bits....which is also from the hallway.

Believe me housework finds me!! Lol

[ooer]

I am a terrible housekeeper, but this mantra has really struck a chord with me: "Don't put it down, put it away" ! If I remember that, it makes everything much tidier. DPs need to do it too and you can remind your children.

A very tidy woman I know always has "tidy up time" at the end of the day - her kids do it, and she does it for the last half-hour before she gets ready for bed. Even in the garden. Really seems to work.