Six Weeks of Trying to Keep on Top of the House

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The summer holidays are here, and that means six weeks of sunshine, laughter, family memories… and absolute chaos in the house. Every year I tell myself, This time will be different. I’ll stay on top of everything. The house will be spotless, the laundry folded, and the fridge stocked with healthy snacks.

And every year? I fail spectacularly.


The Reality of Six Weeks at Home

Here’s the thing about kids being home for six straight weeks: your house doesn’t get lived in—it gets invaded. The living room turns into a den, the kitchen becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet, and no matter how many times I sweep the floor, there’s always a trail of crumbs that looks like someone sprinkled fairy dust… if fairies loved cheese puffs.


You start out strong. You have routines, chore charts, maybe even a colour-coded calendar on the fridge. Week one, you’re practically a domestic goddess. Week two? You’re a little tired, but still clinging to hope. By week three, the laundry pile looks like it could qualify as its own mountain range, and by week four, you’ve accepted that clean floors are a fantasy.


The Mental Battle

It’s not just about mess—it’s the constant mental load. Planning meals, keeping everyone entertained, answering “Mum, can I have a snack?” seventy-four times a day… it’s exhausting. Sometimes I feel like I’m just chasing my tail—cleaning one room while the kids destroy another.


And let’s be honest, part of me wonders why I even bother. You scrub the kitchen, and five minutes later, there’s jam on the table, juice on the floor, and a mysterious sticky patch that nobody will admit to creating.


What I’ve Learned (So Far)

Here’s what six weeks at home with the kids has taught me:

  1. Perfection is impossible. There’s no gold star for the tidiest house in summer—so stop chasing it.
  2. Pick your battles. Close the door on the messy bedroom. Focus on the kitchen if that’s what matters most.
  3. Lower the bar. Some days, “clean-ish” is good enough.

Because one day, the house will be quiet, the floors will be spotless… and I’ll probably miss the chaos.


For now, I’ll keep trying. But if you’re spending the summer in survival mode, surrounded by toys and crumbs, just know you’re not alone. We’re all in this together—armed with hoovers, snacks, and a sense of humour.

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