I was a neat freak pre-kids; oh do I somedays miss those days of clean tidy spaces staying that way...however, would I trade it for my happy kids? No way. I grew up with a clean freak Mom & Grandmother (to this day I do not touch walls as I pass, it was so well trained in me not to leave marks as I went). There are basics that I have chosen to I have both my own and my DCKs adhere to (table/eating manners, take it/play/put away, bathroom etiquette (I have boys!) etc.). But do I spend my day cleaning? Nope, my workday is spent mostly on the floor playing with the kids, or with my feet up chilling @ naptime. Ironically, I did overhear one daycare parent say to another how my home is always so immaculate; think she needs glasses!