When you take on the role of “homemaker” the list of to-do’s can seem a mile long, never mind the pressure from society to appear put together & tackling it all. In my years as a stay at home parent and maker of the home I have seen my fair share of discouraging days.
It could be that we are in that hazy season of infants & toddlers, doing our best to just make it through each day. Or maybe we are in a busy season with older children, always running out the door to Nature Group with little time to give our homes the attention wish we could. When life is throwing a lot our way it can be easy to get into the habit of negative self talk. We feel like failures for dropping the ball. We beat ourselves up over laundry forgotten and dishes undone. We compare our imperfect homes to curated photos and dwell on the differences.
Other times it can feel like we are stuck in an endless loop of household duties and the overwhelm kicks in bringing up feelings like resentment and frustration. We feel worn down with the monotony of everyday tasks and forget just how important & valuable our work is.
Homemaking can be an extremely fulfilling, beautiful calling but the reality is that it can also be difficult. No matter what you’re going through I want to encourage you and let you know that you are not alone. You do not have to do it all and sacrifice your happiness to earn the title of homemaker. Your floors don’t always have to shine and your socks don’t always have to be matched to create a home that swells with love & bursts with joy. There is value in rest. There is value in grace. There is value in acceptance. 
Here are five homemaking quotes that I keep tucked away for those days when I need a little encouragement on my journey, I hope they are also encouraging to you—
“Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather. “ -Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
As the parent in the home, we truly do set the tone for the family. Making sure we care for ourselves and prioritize our own happiness ensures that we can be that consistent & safe place for our children. That’s not to say we can’t have hard days or feel down, but it is a good reminder to be aware of the energy that you are giving off and the words you speak!
“The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest” -Thomas Moore
Even the simplest tasks around your home are important. Through carrying them out each day we learn the importance of consistency and patience. We are also modeling the behavior we want to see in our children!
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the action that we do. If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family.”-Mother Teresa
Homemaking is so much more than a spotless house. It’s about caring for the hearts and minds of the people who also live in the home. Tending to the relationships you have with your children and partner holds just as much value as clean dishes.
“May your hands be an extension of your heart and may you do the work of love with them.” -Aja Monet
I absolutely love this reminder and come back to it often. For me, it’s a helpful mindset shift when household tasks feel like a burden. When love is the intention put into each task everyone in the home can feel it!
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you know the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets and life will become a beautiful success.” -Louisa May Alcott
Finding balance is the key to successful homemaking. We have to prioritize not only our home and the work we put into it but also our own hearts! Listen to your needs, ask for help, make time for rest and play! Laugh! Hug your kids! Say yes more! Your children will remember the moments they spend with you more than how clean the carpets were.
When the role of homemaker feels like a burden or you’re struggling through a hard season I hope you find comfort and encouragement in these words!
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