Before becoming a Mom, this was my idea of motherhood – You have a baby you adore, there would be lots of shopping for cute clothes, breastfeeding would come naturally and all you had to deal with was dirty diapers and some lack of sleep.

It was only after having Miss P that I realized how wrong I was – motherhood was so much more beautiful – and so much messier!

When we have kids, the mess is part of the package. But stopping our kids from creating a mess isn’t exactly healthy for them. Getting dirty means that our kids are exploring with all their senses, and sensory play is known to enhance cognitive development.

It also encourages creativity, imagination and problem solving. This is the reason process art is becoming increasingly popular among parents and teachers.

However, living in a dirty home day after day can eventually affect your mood, and it might manifest in your behavior towards your children.

But we Moms are nothing if not smart, and we have a solution for every problem – even this one! This Mother’s Day, I have a gift for you –

5 SMART TIPS FOR EVERY SMART MOM

To stay calm and relaxed while our kids get their hands dirty – literally!

1. Designate a space for the kids

In the good old days, we had lots of space to play outdoors, so we only came home when our tummies were empty or bladders were full. However, with most of us living in apartment high rises, space is at a premium.

So, the best way for you to stay sane is by designating a small space within the home as the kids’ area, where you relinquish all control and let the kids do their thing in peace. It could be a corner in a bedroom or even a balcony.

2. Keep your home child friendly

Kids can’t break what isn’t there, can they? Forever being on our toes and keeping our ears open to the sound of a crash can turn us into a nervous wreck! So maybe you should hold off on your dream of an all-white living room for a little longer. Be smart and put away the curios (unless they’re made of iron) and use dark colors in all your living spaces. That way, even if some play dough gets stuck or a dirty hand gets printed, it won’t be that obvious.

We have washable cushion covers, Mattress protectors, a plastic table cloth for regular days. Special occasions, its easy to swipe these out for more fancy covers. Also, an organized art / craft or toy space will help keep the mess at bay.

3. Keep cleaning materials on hand

Smart Moms always have emergency cleaning supplies on hand. Having them all corralled in a basket or caddy in a specific place will help you stay calm even if a mess-mishap happens. Keep baby wipes, stain remover, blotting paper, absorbent towels and clean rags in an easy to access place – for you, not the kids!

Just knowing that you are well prepared to handle any crisis is relaxing in itself!

4. Use an easy clean paint

Spill on the floor? Mop it up. Got a handprint on the cushions? Wash them. But what do you do about a crayon portrait of Grandma on your wall? Unless you enjoy repainting your home every other week, this is irreparable damage.

So be smart and opt for an easy clean paint in your home like Berger Easy Clean. This is a washable range of paint, which means stains can be wiped off. Yes, such paints do exist! Just take that sponge from your emergency cleaning kit and wipe off even the most stubborn stains. Or make your kids do it themselves!

5. Join in the fun!

Ever heard of the saying, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”?

You’ve already got a lot of adult problems in your life, and the only solution to that is – stop being an adult!

If you’ve always been obsessed about keeping a clean house 24×7, then this Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to take it easy!

Smart Moms know what’s really important, and we find solutions that are in alignment with our biggest priorities – our Kids!

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the smartest, and that’s certainly true here. There’s nothing better than spending quality time with our kids, and not just on Mother’s Day. So, get down and dirty, and join in the fun by creating a lasting memory you will cherish with your kids forever!