The Room of discontent

  It was Sunday afternoon, forced inside from my small patio garden by yet another storm cloud I dragged myself upstairs, full of fear and dread I knew what waited for me, my 7 year old daughters room.  The puppy came along happy to lend moral support and a nose to sniff out anything eatable.

  I’ve put off the cleaning of the room for several weeks. In my defense your honor, I do work 40 hrs during the week, have activities after work 3 of those nights and as for the other nights, I simply collapse in a heap.

  I cleared a spot on the floor, gave the puppy a giant hug which was reciprocated with an even bigger lick on the face, and started sorting.  Making piles of doll clothing, Barbie (she dresses better than me- darn her!), office supplies, is my daughter running an accounting service on the side? Well you get the picture.  I noticed while placing what I knew to be clean clothing on the bed that one of the cats was there hiding amongst the stuffed animals taking a nap.  He opened one eye and gave me a sly judgmental look, telling me this mess was my fault.

  How is it my fault?  I am responsible the contents of that room.  I purchase most of her clothing and toys.  I am the reason she looks at her room and cries when I tell her to clean it up.  I have “Mommy guilt”. She has too much of everything.

  I know how I feel when faced with an extremely long list of tasks or a day of endless appointments.  Think of how a child feels when faced with a pile of possessions and told to put it all away. Oh sure it was terrific at Christmas or on their Birthday, but it certainly wasn’t Saturday when I told her to clean her room.  It wasn’t a popular statement at my friend’s house this weekend when she told her 6 year old to clean her room.  I saw my own frown reflected on that sweet child’s face.  Her mother and I have had this discussion. We are causing our children distress by giving them too many possessions to care for. We in turn, are upset with them when they can’t keep clean their rooms or keep track of their belonging.Wasn't just a few weeks ago that my friend was complaining on facebook about yet another pair of dance tights lost in the room of  discontent?  It was the "millionth" pair this year. Yes, Moms we have over done it.

  I’ve seen many articles lately about living leaner, doing with less and not just due to financial reasons.  My oldest child, a self proclaimed OCD sufferer, swears that any clutter in your house is also in your head. It keeps you from thinking clear.  If this is true, is it any wonder my youngest child is bewildered when told to clean her room?  Is her head as cluttered as mine with the massive amount of belongings?

  I’ve been making a effort for the past two years to clean up my act, fix my feng shui.  I have been getting rid of clothing I haven’t worn for over a year, purses that while pretty were never practical and shoes that never fit properly. (Hello- My name is _____ and I’m addicted to Shoes)  I accumulated extras in nearly every category of household accessory; how did I get seven sets of single sheets?  And pot and pans, I don’t cook that much.  

  I am doing pretty well with this philosophy.  However, it is a constant process and you have to have everyone’s cooperation. The most difficult to tame is that little voice in your head, the one that says “ooooh!  That is so pretty… She would look so cute in that!” 

  If you have fewer belonging, you have less to take care of, less to clean, less to put away. Doesn’t this also mean more free time, a little more money? Okay that’s a stretch.  It’s definitely something to consider.

 As for my daughters room, I’ve been donating access toys and clothing, while making a conscious effort to buy less when she outgrows her clothes.  The room is looking much better and she is enjoying the new roominess.  Happy Feng Shui.