Genius Parenting Hack: How Hide-and-Seek Can Help You Clean Your House Faster!

You might be wondering why someone who has a products-based business is giving out tips for cleaning up your house? Good question. When I launched Primrose and May, I knew I wanted to provide more than stocking stuffers for moms. I wanted to help ease the burden and mental load that moms carry. I want to help you spend more time making memories with your family! So, whether it’s providing stocking stuffers, DIY art kits, a birthday party kit or just a tip about getting the house clean, I want to help. Being a mom isn’t easy so anything we can do to help each other out is worth my time!

If you’re a parent, you know the struggle of trying to clean the house while your kids are home. Years ago, I saw a funny meme that said cleaning with kids at home is like trying to brush your teeth while eating Oreos! It made me laugh so hard because it is so true! Especially when your kids are little. It can feel like a never-ending battle- one mess cleaned, another one made! However, here is one of my best parenting hacks, invite your kids to play Hide-and- Seek so you can clean up. The classic game of Hide-and-Seek isn’t just fun for kids- it’s also a clever way to tidy up your house.

The magic of this is that

1.        Kids stay in one Place- When kids are hiding, they’re not actively making new messes. This gives you a fighting chance at getting more than one room cleaned up. (And just to be completely clear, this isn’t for actually cleaning your house, no deep cleaning, not even minor cleaning, when I say cleaning or get a space cleaned up, I mean tidied up. Toys picked up, throw blankets folded etc. This doesn’t work for scrubbing, vacuuming etc. This hack will help you do the pre-cleaning you have to do to then do the deep cleaning and for that deep cleaning you are on your own I still haven’t figured that one out yet!)

2.        Tidy as you go- As you “search” for your kids, pick up clutter in each room and put it away, or at least transport it to the correct room it belongs in.

3.        Kids love to play- I don’t think I’ve met a kid yet who doesn’t like to play Hide-and-Seek. It will keep you kids occupied and off screens while you get some cleaning done. Win-win in my book.

4.        Teamwork makes the dream work- You don’t have to be the only one cleaning. After a few rounds of searching for your kids, switch roles. Go hide (I recommend laying down on the bed or sofa covered by a blanket!) But here’s the trick, add the rule that before they can find you, they have to put away 5 toys, or pick up a few items off the floor. You will not believe how fast they can pick up 5 toys!

Anytime you can turn chores into games is a great parenting hack. Hide-and-Seek isn’t just about finding your kids-it’s also about sneaking in a little cleaning so when the game is over you can sit back and relax for a few minutes in a cleanish house! So next time your house feels overwhelming with stuff out of place simply start a game of Hide-and-Seek!