Tending the House With Children All Around You

Homemaking looks different when your children are with you all day. There’s no other way than being organised yet flexible, letting all those little hands participate — each at their level. Educating your children at home is beautiful, because so much of learning happens in the everyday moments we live together. Being able to teach them, see them, and grow with them is a big part of a woman’s purpose the way He intended it.

But it isn’t all sunshine and rosy edits, no matter what social media suggests.

There are no windows of silence.
No “I’ll clean while they’re out.”
No quick reset that stays tidy for long.
Everything happens with little feet around you, and every task is shared, interrupted, or done in smaller pieces.

Most cleaning advice isn’t written for mothers who homeschool or stay home full-time — mothers whose homes are lived in, constantly, by everyone.

I know this all too well. And because I’ve found a rhythm that works — one you can adapt to any kind of day — this guide is for our reality: simple organization, realistic expectations, and a 7-day system you can start anytime, even with children all around you.

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DAY 1 — The Kitchen Maintenance
The Heart of the Home

Most of us already follow a simple evening rhythm which help the following day:
dishes done, countertops wiped, sink cleared, dishwasher running overnight.
And in the morning, one of the first task is almost always the same — unload the dishwasher and put breakfast dishes straight in.

That rhythm is good. It’s enough to keep the kitchen functioning day-to-day.

Day 1 is about what comes after that.
The deeper maintenance that keeps the kitchen healthy, organized, and under control — even with children home all day.

1. One Deep-Clean Mini Task

• clean the dishwasher filter

• run a dishwasher sanitizing cycle: vinegar first, baking soda second

• wipe cupboard surfaces

• deep-clean the sink and drain

• empty crumbs from toaster + wipe coffee machine + remove limescale from kettle

• clean microwave interior + deodorize — use setting, or a manual steam-cleaning method

• wipe fridge shelves

• wash dish-drying rack + utensil holder

These may look like a long list, but most of them take only minutes and can run at the same time — wiping cupboard fronts while the sink fizzes with baking soda and vinegar, and the kettle disinfects; let microwave deodorize while walking the dog etc. Done together, they lift the whole kitchen and keep it manageable for the week ahead.

2. One Organization Task

Small steps prevent the kitchen from feeling chaotic.
Pick one each week:

• declutter a single drawer

• wipe and reorganize the spice area

• reset the baking shelf

• tidy the medicine or supplement drawer

• clean and reorganize the snack basket

Tiny organisation makes a huge difference in a lived-in home.

3. One Food Anchor

Something simple that supports the rest of the week.
Pick one:

• start a bone broth

• cook a batch of rice/quinoa

• soak lentils/beans for tomorrow

• chop vegetables for the next two meals

• minced and freeze ahead onions and garlic

• bake muffins for snacks

• prep fruit for easy access

Not meal prep — just a helper.

4. Involve the Kids

They don’t need to “deep clean,” but they can:

• wipe lower cupboards

• rinse, peel or cut vegetables depending on their age

• tidy their snack drawer or art cart

• match lids to containers

• wipe chairs

• vacuum

• create the fuzzy reaction in the sink to clean the drain

Let their presence work with you.

Why This Works

Because Day 1 isn’t about “having a clean kitchen.”
It’s about maintaining the systems that keep your home running.

A functioning dishwasher, a clean sink, an organized drawer — these things support you every single day.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 2 — Bathrooms Refresh
Little Bathrobes, Warm Towels, Everyday Rituals

Bathrooms in a homeschooling home are high-traffic all day long. Someone is always washing hands, brushing teeth, using the toilet, splashing water, or dragging mud in for a “quick rinse.”

Day 2 isn’t about quick wipe-downs.
It’s about the maintenance work that keeps bathrooms healthy, organized, and pleasant — the things that make a huge difference but rarely fit into a normal day with little ones around.

1. The Weekly Bathroom Maintenance Reset
(This is your real reset — not the quick ones here and there.)

• open the windows

• wipe toilets thoroughly (seat, rim, base, handle)

• scrub sink + surrounding counter

• quick scrub of bath or shower

• clean mirror and windows

• empty bins

• wipe door handles + light switches

• pour kettleful of boiling water down drains (prevents odors + buildup)

• sanitize the toilet brush and base

• vacuum and mop

• wash/replace bath mats and towels

• light a naturally scented candle

This is the weekly “fresh start,” not the everyday upkeep.

2. One Deeper Task
This is where your home stays ahead of the mess.
Choose what fits your time and energy:

• clean toothbrush holder

• wash soap dishes or dispenser tops

• wipe lower cupboard fronts

• sanitize bath toys (vinegar + hot water soak)

• wipe baseboards

• wash the bins properly

• wash glass door track (or shower curtain liner)

• inventory check: refill, replace, declutter

These tasks take little time but transform how clean the bathroom feels.

3. One Monthly Maintenance Rotation
Only 1-2 per week — rotating prevents overwhelm.
Choose from:

• replace shower head filter / descale shower head

• scrub tile grout (use hydrogen peroxide)

• empty + reorganize bathroom cupboards

• wipe shelves + baskets inside

• deep-clean behind the toilet

• wash walls where water splashes

• check inventory for plasters, bath/hair products, baby items
  

4. Kids’ Involvement (Small, Useful Tasks)
Because they’re always with you:

• bring fresh towels

• wipe cupboard fronts

• rinse bath toys

• refill toilet paper basket

• help clean mirror lower section

• tidy their bath-time essentials

This builds responsibility and keeps them beside you instead of creating chaos elsewhere.

Why Day 2 Matters

Bathrooms are used constantly, but they clean quickly and reset beautifully.
A weekly maintenance rhythm keeps them fresh and healthy without ever needing a huge, exhausting deep-clean session.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 3 — Living Areas Reset
Couch, Crumbs, Toys, Movies, and Conversation

Living areas in a homeschooling home are never still.
They carry everything — toys, books, crafts, snacks, blankets, shoes, backpacks, dog hair, puzzles, socks (or at least one random sock), train tracks, and whatever the kids dragged in from outside.

Day 3 is about restoring function, not perfection.
A weekly reset that keeps the space usable, breathable, and easier to maintain the rest of the week.

1. Freshen up the air (open windows) and pick up the toys
Even if they’re coming back.

2. Tidy the Surfaces That Set the Tone
This is where clutter gathers first, so it’s where order matters most:

• coffee table and side tables

• console table, hallway table

• couch cushions + throw blankets

• TV stand or shelves

• mirrors and frames

• dust lamps

Just reset, don’t “style’’ the kids are going to jump on the couch while you’re in there, that’s certain.
Surfaces are visual anchors — when they’re clear, the room feels livable again.

3. Floor Reset

• sort the shoe situation — pair, wipe, toss, donate, sell

• Give the rug a quick vacuum, fold it, shake it out outdoors if possible, and leave it to air while you reset the room.

• shake crumbs from cushions

• empty/rotate the entry mat (shoes bring in everything)

• vacuum thoroughly (behind and under the couch and furniture, cushions etc.)

• mop (twice if your children are outdoorsy like me, maybe thrice depending on the weather)

• light up a naturally scented candle, burn incense (frankincense, myrrh, bakhoor)

This alone makes the whole house feel calmer.

4. One Deeper Task
These are the things that actually keep the living areas livable long-term:

• clean windows (fingerprints!)

• wash and rotate throw blankets

• wipe the toys and baskets

• wash the entry rug or door mat

• sanitize door handles + remotes

• rotate or refresh books on the low shelves for the kids

And yes — kids can help with many of these.

5. Quick Declutter Moment (5 minutes max)
Pick one small category each week:

• reorganize home sport/yoga station

• random toys not played with

• papers and art supplies

• broken crayons or dried markers

• random small items on shelves

• things that belong upstairs (or other room)

Keep a donate basket nearby.
Small declutters prevent the living area from becoming a storage room.

6. The Weekly Toy + Craft Reset
This is an anchor for sanity. Choose one:

• empty and wipe the craft cart

• sort puzzle pieces

• rotate toys (put some away, bring others out)

• check for broken toys and discard

• tidy the bookshelf

This keeps creativity alive without letting clutter take over.

7. Kids’ Involvement (Realistically)
They can:

• carry toys to baskets

• fold blankets

• wipe low tables

• shake crumbs from couch cushions

• brush or wipe couch for dog hair

• pair up shoes and put them where they belong

• choose toys for rotation

• vacuum (or at least start it)

Kids are always in these spaces — they should help reset them.

Why Day 3 Works

Because the living areas carry the weight of the entire home.
When these spaces feel functional and clear enough to breathe:

• homeschool works better

• play works better

• meals feel calmer

• the whole home feels lighter

• mom is at ease

Resetting them once a week prevents overwhelm and burnout — the quiet relief is immediate.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 4 — Bedrooms Reset
Pajamas, Pillows, Books, and a Bit of Breathing Room

Bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping in our home.
They’re where kids pile up with books, where laundry waits to be folded (or picked up from the floor), where toys migrate.

Day 4 is about restoring a sense of calm — not perfection — so everyone sleeps better, wakes calmer, and the upstairs stops feeling like the forgotten place.

1. Air and Bed Reset (The Weekly Non-Negotiable)

• open windows (daily)

• change sheets (weekly)

• change pillowcases midweek (freshness + skin health)

• shake blankets outside

A clean bed resets the entire room.

2. Quick Floor + Surface Clear
Enough to make the space usable again:

• put books back on shelves

• collect toys, clothes, and random objects

• empty bedside tables

• Give the rug a quick vacuum, fold it, shake it out outdoors if possible, and leave it to air while you reset the room.

• vacuum throughly and mop (bedrooms, stairs and hallway)

• wipe bedside tables, frames, mirrors, decor, and lamps
  

3. One Weekly Deeper Task
This is what keeps bedrooms from getting overwhelming:
Pick what time allows and feels needed.

• dust dressers

• wipe mirrors

• declutter one drawer (clothes, underwear, pajamas)

• reorganize kids’ clothes

• wipe window ledges

• wipe closet doors

• clean air purifier filters

• gather items to donate or sell (kids grow fast — constant rotation helps)

Little tasks make the biggest difference.

4. Kids’ Involvement (Always Age-Based)
They can:

• carry laundry to the basket

• help change pillowcases

• tidy their bookshelf

• put stuffed animals back on the bed

• gather toys from under the bed

• help match socks

• wipe surface and mirrors

• vacuum

Teaching them to tend their own space builds calm.

6. Mini-Maintenance for Your Bedroom
Because your room matters, too:

• clear your nightstand

• put away clothes pile

• remove water glasses

• shake throw blankets

• light a candle or diffuser

A calmer bedroom helps you recharge.

Why Day 4 Matters

Because bedrooms influence everything:
how we sleep, how our mornings start, how overwhelmed we feel walking down the hall.

A simple weekly reset keeps the whole upstairs peaceful — even with children climbing in and out of every bed in the house.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 5 — Laundry & Linens
The Cycle That Never Stops but Can Become Manageable

Laundry in a home where kids don’t go to school is constant.
Clothes from outdoor play (sometimes a few outfits per day), kitchen towels, bath towels, bibs, pajamas, bedding, dog blankets, and whatever the kids spilled on — it adds up fast.
Day 5 gives you a rhythm that stays realistic even when little ones are always beside you — and while it is called Day 5, laundry should run daily (if needed).

You’re not aiming for “caught up.”
You’re aiming for steady.

1. The Daily Loads (1–2 Maximum)
This is what actually works:

• one load of clothes in the morning — the items that don’t go in the dryer; they dry outside or on the rack during the day

• one load in the evening — towels, bedding, or anything that can go straight into the dryer for an overnight cycle

That’s it. Two loads is the ceiling — more becomes overwhelming.

Tip: start the first load early so it dries, folds, and gets put away by the end of the day, and your evening load is ready and warm in the morning.
Wipe the rubber seal after each use (essential — collects grime).

2. Folding in a Way That Works With Kids
You don’t need silence — just the right tricks.

• fold where the kids play

• invite them to pair socks or fold napkins

• keep a laundry basket for each bedroom

• put away immediately (5 minutes per room)

Small rhythms prevent “Mount Laundry.”

3. Weekly Linen Reset
This belongs on Day 5 so bedding stays fresh and your Day 4 bedroom work remains easy.

• kids’ sheets (weekly)

• your sheets (weekly)

• pillowcases (twice a week)

• bath towels (twice a week)

• kitchen towels (every 1–2 days)

• bathrobes if needed

Fresh linens reset the whole home.

4. One Deeper Laundry Task
These keep your machines and clothing healthy long-term.
Choose two, and rotate each week:

• clean the washing machine (vinegar + baking soda cycle)

• wipe detergent drawer if using

• clean dryer lint trap + vacuum around it

• wash laundry baskets (hot water + soap rinse)

• reorganize laundry supplies if needed

• declutter socks + pajamas

• sort kids’ drawers and remove what’s too small

• check stain-removal items and restock

One or two task a week prevents breakdowns and odors.

5. Clothing Rotation + Seasonal Check
A weekly micro-rotation keeps kids’ clothing manageable.
Pick one:

• remove what no longer fits

• store seasonal items

• reorganize underwear/pajamas

• check if shoes or coats need replacing

• refill the “everyday drawer” for quick dressing

This alone reduces laundry stress dramatically.

6. Kids’ Involvement (Age-Based)
Laundry is a perfect teaching moment:

• carry small baskets

• match socks

• fold washcloths

• help pick up random clothes around the house

• load the machine

• press start button

• fill up the detergent drawer / replace soap nuts

Involving them = one less task for you and one more skill for them.

Why Day 5 Works
Because laundry isn’t a project — it’s a heartbeat.
It never stops, but it becomes peaceful and predictable when:

• loads stay small

• routines stay consistent

• deeper tasks get done weekly

• kids help at their level

And the whole home feels calmer when linens are fresh and laundry isn’t looming.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 6 — Kids’ Rooms & Playroom
Books, Blocks, Costumes, Crumbs — and All the Life Between

Kids’ spaces hold the most joy and the most chaos.
Their rooms collect clothes, books, toys, art supplies, half-built creations, tiny treasures from outside, and anything else they decide must live with them forever.

Day 6 brings structure back without fighting childhood itself.
It’s a reset that teaches responsibility, keeps clutter under control, and makes the room usable again — for both play and sleep.

1. Floor First: Clear, Quick, Achievable
Not perfection. Not empty. Just usable.

• pick up toys

• collect books

• gather clothes

• return items that belong elsewhere

• Give the rug a quick vacuum, fold it, shake it out outdoors if possible, and leave it to air while you reset the room.

• vacuum thoroughly, mop

A clear floor changes the whole atmosphere.

2. The Bed Reset (Simple & Weekly)
Kids’ beds collect everything — even when no one sleeps in them.
In co-sleeping homes especially, the unused beds often become a holding zone: clean-but-not-folded laundry, toys the kids “just put here for a second,” half-finished art, clothes that need sorting, and anything you didn’t have hands to carry downstairs.
Day 6 is the day to clear it:

• remove clothes that need folding or putting away

• relocate toys, craft items and all other random items

• shake blankets and pillows

• wipe the headboard or frame

• return stuffed animals to their spot

  Leave the bed empty, even if it won’t be slept in. A clean bed anchors the room.

3. One Weekly Deep Task
This keeps the room from ever becoming overwhelming.
Pick a couple, depending on time and needs:

• wipe shelves

• wipe toy bins inside and out

• dust dresser + lamps

• clean windows (fingerprints are endless)

• wipe baseboards

• wipe closet doors and mirrors

• wash stuffed animals (gentle cycle)

• rotate books

• declutter one space, one drawer

One task at a time. That’s it.

4. The Toy Reset (Your Sanity Saver)
This is the heart of Day 6.
Choose one —or more if needed— each week:

• rotate toys (put some away, bring others out)

• declutter broken or unused toys

• organize legos, blocks, trains, small toys

• wipe the craft drawer/cart

• sort puzzles + games

• toss dried markers + broken crayons

Rotations keep the space fresh and stop overstimulation.

5. Clothing Reset (Kids Outgrow Everything Weekly)
Pick one:

• remove what’s too small

• reorganize the everyday drawer

• match socks

• tidy pajamas + underwear

• make a list of what they need next

• pull out seasonal clothes needed soon

This keeps morning dressing simple.

6. Memory + Treasure Check
Kids hoard little treasures — feathers, rocks, sticks, bottle caps, wrappers, drawings.
Do a quick check:

• keep what matters (together)

• throw away the rest

• store treasures in a small basket or box

It respects their world but keeps the room livable.

7. Kids’ Involvement (Realistic Tasks)

• putting books on shelves

• carrying laundry

• folding pajamas

• choosing toys to keep out this week

• wiping low shelves

• putting stuffed animals away

• tidying their art supplies

This teaches responsibility, not overwhelm.

Why Day 6 Works

Kids’ spaces won’t stay perfect — they’re supposed to be lived in.
But a weekly reset keeps them from spiraling into overwhelm or clutter piles bigger than the child.

A clear floor, a tidy bed, a fresh rotation of toys, and drawers that make sense change the whole home.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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DAY 7 — Sabbath + House-wide Gentle Reset
Church, Rest, Gratitude, and a Home That Breathes With You

By Day 7, the home has already been tended room by room.
Sunday isn’t for catching up, fixing the week, or squeezing in one more task.
It’s the day the Lord set apart — a day to rest, worship, gather, and remember the blessings He’s placed in our hands.

A clean home is a gift, but rest is obedience.
And the peace of this day steadies the entire week ahead.

This day has its own rhythm — slower, softer, centered on Him.

1. The Sunday Atmosphere (Your Home in Rest Mode)
The goal of this day is not progress but peace.
Your Sunday may look like:

• church

• slow meals

• children drawing or building quietly

• a walk or drive

• reading

• naps

• time together without pressure

No big cleaning.
No deep tasks.
Just the kind of stillness that reminds the heart who is in charge.

2. A Moment of Gratitude + Reset of Heart
Sunday isn’t just a pause in routine — it’s a reminder:

• that God sustains the home

• that rest is not laziness

• that caring for family is holy

• that slowing down is part of His design

• that gratitude transforms the atmosphere

You poured out all week.
Today is when He pours back into you.

3. Optional Meal Prep for the Week
Not work. Not a project.
Just a simple way to bless your week ahead without breaking the peace of the Sabbath.

• washing fruit for easy grabbing

• chopping and freezing a few vegetables for soups or stir-fries

• marinating meat for an early-week dinner

• soaking beans or lentils

• baking a loaf of bread or a batch of muffins for breakfasts

• making a pot of broth while you’re home anyway

• boiling eggs for quick protein

• preparing one family meal that will stretch over two days

Nothing timed or scheduled.
Just small acts that turn the coming week from heavy to manageable.
This kind of prep isn’t striving — it’s stewardship.

A way of saying:
Lord, thank You for this home, this food, this family. Help me begin the week with peace.

Why Day 7 Matters

Because homemaking is a ministry — and ministry requires rest.
Sunday reminds us that the home doesn’t run on our strength, but His.
This quiet day resets more than the house;
it resets the mother.

Photos: Found via Pinterest, sources on clickthrough; we always aim to credit photos; if one needs crediting or removal, please contact us with the source.

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The beauty of this seven-day rhythm isn’t perfection — it’s peace.
A home tended little by little, a mother who doesn’t burn out, and a week shaped with intention rather than pressure.

Homemaking isn’t something we conquer.
It’s something we live — with our children beside us, and with God leading us one small task at a time.

If this guide speaks to you, share your thoughts or your own rhythms below. I read every comment, and I love learning from other mothers walking the same path.

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