How do you keep your house tidy?

[Hther]

When you have 4 children under 6, especially if you have laminate flooring that shows every speck of dust and always looks awful no matter how often you sweep / hoover?

and how do you find time to play with the children as well?

I don't. I'm a working mum with only 1 DC, but I just accept the place is untidy (although I stress that doesn't mean it's dirty!) As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather spend my time with my DC productively, enjoying her and watching her grow and learn.

I'd rather spend time cleaning

Only clean it in the evening when they have gone to bed. Given up trying to keep things tidy during the day, waste of time and energy.
As long as everything is clean, who cares about tidy?

I think the kids are more important. As long as a house is hygenic then it doesn't need to be tidy IMO.

If it really upsets someone then maybe getting a cleaner would help? Or asking friends/family to help out? Otherwise it's very difficult with so many little ones to give time to.

I only have 2 dcs and my house is never really tidy but they play all over the house which is fine by me.

i have always said tidy isnt important its just since i had laminate flooring it looks like its been down a year without seeing a broom!

I find it hard as even with 3 children the house was immaculate yet i still spent plenty of time with the children; this house has much less storage space and like i said the laminate floor looks awful. Before having children I used to take the knobs off the cooker and clean underneath them every day! and was regularly cleaning skirting boards, washing machine etc.

Now i concentrate on spending time with the children but even without the housework i get upset i don't do enough with them. With one with special needs and a very demanding baby and tons of washing to do and me being so shattered all the time i really struggle, i dont have family to help and my only proper friend has left the country.

wouldnt mind the mess so much if i actually felt i was doing something with the children abut its good to know others have mess too!

i dont understand why your laminate looks awful yes i know you could spend all day everyday brushing it but surely its not that bad mines is almost 10 years in and i would definately buy it again

You used to take the knobs off your cooker every day?

I have never done this. I suspect our standards are very different.

i used to be very fussy!

now i dont mind too much about appliances looking grubby as long as toilets, bathroom etc clean

but please tell me what your secret is re laminate floor! no-one elses i have seen looks dusty, i knew it was just me!