The Community for Catholic Moms
How do you balance being a good mom and doing chores ?
After coming home from a Project Mary speaking engagement this weekend, I was pondering a question a mom had regarding balancing being a good mom and doing chores. The mom said that when she does chores the whole day, she feels guilty for having neglected her children. When she focuses on the children the whole day, she feels guilty for having neglected the home. I couldn't quite answer her question because I've been having the same conundrum myself. In my apostolate, I have always emphasized that true order has nothing to do with a perfectly organized house. True order lies in loving God first, then your spouse, then your children, then your home and lastly your community. However, I feel that when I do chores, the next thing in my mind is what chore or project I need to do next.
I was spending some quiet time with Jesus that night laying this heavy burden down and eagerly awaiting His reply. An image came into my mind of my husband trying to put our baby to sleep by doing his "doo-bee-doo dance". I laughed at the thought and asked Jesus "what does this have anything to do with my dilemma ?" I then listened some more and then "wachau ! " the answer came.
As mothers, we are so busy "doing" that we forget to simply "be" mothers. So the challenge for me the next morning was to try out this "Do - Be - Do - Be" Dance !
And I did ! The next day, we did our morning routine. After I "do" chores, I would "be" a mother.....I would play with the children on the floor or read a book to them. Then when they got tired of me, I simply got up and "do " another chore. After that chore, I would "be" a mom again and enjoy having one on one conversations with my children....and so on and so forth. I began this "do-be-do" dance and have had incredible peace and joy inside. I feel like I'm being a good mom and at the end my home is in order.
I thanked God tremendously for this dance and wanted to share this with everyone. Do you have a tip you would like to share? I'd love to hear it !
I was spending some quiet time with Jesus that night laying this heavy burden down and eagerly awaiting His reply. An image came into my mind of my husband trying to put our baby to sleep by doing his "doo-bee-doo dance". I laughed at the thought and asked Jesus "what does this have anything to do with my dilemma ?" I then listened some more and then "wachau ! " the answer came.
As mothers, we are so busy "doing" that we forget to simply "be" mothers. So the challenge for me the next morning was to try out this "Do - Be - Do - Be" Dance !
And I did ! The next day, we did our morning routine. After I "do" chores, I would "be" a mother.....I would play with the children on the floor or read a book to them. Then when they got tired of me, I simply got up and "do " another chore. After that chore, I would "be" a mom again and enjoy having one on one conversations with my children....and so on and so forth. I began this "do-be-do" dance and have had incredible peace and joy inside. I feel like I'm being a good mom and at the end my home is in order.
I thanked God tremendously for this dance and wanted to share this with everyone. Do you have a tip you would like to share? I'd love to hear it !
Views: 8
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Diana H. on -
This is what I do also-- I play when my children seem bored. After a while they're ready to sit and watch Elmo or something-- that's when I run to do dishes or clean a bathtub. By the time I'm done with the chore, they're ready for me again. My new thing that I really enjoy is giving them spray bottles of water and paper towels and let them "clean" a door or something while I'm cleaning. My son gets so excited when he thinks he's helping. They love to help me clean spots on my white carpet. I give them a bar of white soap and a wash cloth, and it's harmless fun. Also, a new thing I've been able to do is work on my bathroom while my son is in the bath. He loves to sit and play in the bath, so I take advantage of the time and clean the sinks and floor with a non-toxic, natural cleaner. Of course, I save the heavy duty cleaning for other times since I don't want him to inhale those icky fumes.
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Permalink Reply by Abby Sasscer on -
That's really awesome Diana ! You're essentially including them in your chores. Not only are you spending mommy time with them, you are also teaching them a life lesson when you teach them to clean. I'll try the spray bottle with water. I normally use Organic Baby Spray but I like your idea better ! Thanks for sharing !
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Garcia on -
I I might make a suggestion, Read the book A Mothers Rule Of Life By Holly Pierlot...
This book , with help from the holy spirit, transformed my life... I was struggling with household chores, kids, teaching, time with my husband and the list goes on. This book helps you put into prospective what your vocation is, what is important, and how to create peace at home and improve you relationship with God. I Pray daily, each day for a total of 2 hours, and home school, and my house is, what my husband likes to say immaculate, and I set aside time to spend with my husband...exclusively everyday. i am not stressed at all, I offer up everything I do to God and he rewards me with his Graces. The difference now for me is that I 'AM' present for my family, and I am not distracted from all the unnecessary stuff. I am free to be a Great Mother, Wife, Humble Servant And Daughter Of The KING! I highly recommend it. Good
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Permalink Reply by Abby Sasscer on
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Thank you Deborah ! I started reading it but couldn't finish it for one reason or another. I do have a schedule but because I'm such a Melancholic Martha Stewart, I have to keep my desire for order at bay. I will definitely look into the book. Thanks for sharing !
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