Housekeeping & Homeschooling
Eschew mass media, expectations, and pretend short cuts.
Thinking about years past, I realized that the image of the dutiful housewife tidying her home with an array of modern conveniences is really the creation of advertisers. The irony is that the very inventions—like the vacuum cleaner—that were sold as "time savers" have ended up exposing women to more health hazards, with no actual time savings in sight.
Sure, a washing machine is more convenient than washing by hand, but synthetic fabrics that stink after a good sweat now require constant washing. In contrast, a good merino wool sweater naturally inhibits biofilm growth, meaning one solid spring wash is all it needs.
Before the advent of synthetic (and often toxic) wall-to-wall carpeting, the whole family pitched in to haul pure wool area rugs outside for a good beating before letting them rejuvenate in the sunshine.
I wanted to share a few tips:
Integrate household chores into Practical Life exercises. The original form of Practical Life focused on cleaning the classroom, preparing food, and caring for objects like silverware. These activities provide great opportunities to teach children valuable life skills.
Buy child-sized implements made from natural materials that don't promote mold growth. Avoid products containing antimicrobials like Microban, as these can breed resistant pathogens over time.
Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting. If you already have it, consider transitioning to wool rugs rather than replacing it entirely. This will help you avoid the off-gassing of new synthetic materials. I remember when wall-to-wall carpets first became a trend, especially with all those advertisements showing babies toddling on the soft, plush surface.
Install a low sink in the kitchen for your child to do real work. If you use it in a squat, you’ll age gracefully and strengthen your body.
Integrate my “no making the bed” suggestions to keep your bedding fresh. You can find that post here.
Marie Kondo's books are fantastic! She inspires people to pare down their belongings by encouraging them to focus on what truly "sparks joy." Her method, known as the KonMari Method, involves sorting through your possessions by category (rather than by room) and only keeping the items that bring a sense of happiness or usefulness. It’s a very mindful, intentional way of approaching decluttering.
As for your family, it’s understandable that some might feel grouchy about the idea—letting go of things can be an emotional process. Often, we hold onto items for sentimental reasons or out of a fear of needing them later. It can be challenging to part with things, especially when they carry memories. But the key is helping them see that decluttering isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. Maybe starting with a small, non-emotional area—like a closet or kitchen drawer—could help ease them into the process.
A great project!