cleaning, never clean enough

Hi there. Im like that, when I clean our home, I clean thoroughly and when Im done, Im still not satisfied until Ive gone in behind, under and moved things out my way to clean whatever, I think though when the husband and children come home, they're actually quiet good and tidy, as they know I cant stand and refuse to have us living in an untidy home... I dont know what you can do, but I have taught my family to be keep things clean, there rooms and to clean up after themselves or go live somewhere else... They respect me for it...

Yes this is the way our family members think things work. I have planted baskets in various rooms. I will walk through a room and put things in this basket that shouldn't be out. If things don't get taken to where they belong, by the person that they belong to, they get put into storage, and the children can earn them back. As for hubby leaving socks and shoes laying around, if he works and you stay home, maybe he can be given some leeway on that. I hate cleaning up after everyone else, so I also assign chores that are age appropriate. I may still have to vacuum or dust but the kids should be able to put toys and such away. I have also gotten to the point where I only allow one toy for each child to come out of the bedroom. And they can't bring out more until it is put away. If it is a matter of school things being littered across the floor, there are a lot of options. We have a rack by the back door that is attached to studs in the wall. This rack is for backpacks only. The rack under it is for their coats or jackets. I also use a reward system to insure that things get put where they belong. If the kids are willing to put forth the effort to clean up after themselves, I am willing to make a treat, or sometimes let them get out a favorite board game. The biggest treat to the kids is if I will sit down and play a game with them. I also keep the TV off until all chores and homework are done. I hope things get a little easier for you and the kids start to respect how much work you do to keep a clean house

Ughhh i knowww ohh soo well what u are talkin about!! I only have me and my son..hes 5..and i wil clean all day..and whenhe gets home..his friends come up..and goodbyee clean home..iwil miss u soo much lol..it sux..and i too get depressed soo much..it is a never ending battle for me too..and soemdays i just say i quit..but we are moms andthis battle wil never end for some time..so i just suck it up and wait till hes old enough to do everything..cuza im takin a VACATION!! LOL