Wearing an apron

apron
As I tie my apron around my waist, it is as though I am saying to myself, it is cleaning time. Although I have a love-hate relationship with cleaning. And not just the results versus the work. Sometimes I get in a cleaning mode and sometimes I embrace mess (or ignore it anyway)!

cleaning

We try to make cleaning up a bit of fun by singing our cleaning song or putting on music so we can sing and dance while we work. We even made up our own cleaning song ~

We met a little Wookie dog, who said it’s time to play. Ah no no Wookie, ah no no Wookie, it’s time to tidy up!

The kids crack up with laughter as we sing it and our Wookie dog will run around excitedly at hearing his name. My son finds it the funniest because we sing our song to the tune of the cleaning up song he sings at school ~

I met a little dusty gnome, who said it’s time to tidy up. A round, round, round, a swish, swish, swish. It’s time to tidy up.

cleaning1

At my son’s Waldorf school the kindergarten teachers typically wear aprons. An apron is wonderfully practical. Flowers and vegetables can be held within its folds, while tears can be gently wiped away from the corners. An apron is also an outward representation of the mother archetype.

apron1

Archetypes are used in Waldorf education to provide experiences and imagery through stories, songs and games that children can absorb without the need for explanation (you can read more about this here). An apron is also said to help the teacher maintain their energy through the day.

apron2

For me, wearing an apron provides a protective physical barrier, but is is also a step in mindfully committing myself to the task of cleaning. A signal to myself and others.

dishes

I’ve just started working from home again and one of the first things that has slipped in doing this is the housework. So I have treated us to a cleaner. And oh my, what they can achieve in an hour I can’t even achieve in a day! What is their secret I wonder?

Blessings, Kelly

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9 Comments

  • Reply Zoe May 4, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    I think the cleaner is not also caring for little people at the same time as cleaning!

  • Reply Bek @ Just For Daisy May 4, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    I love donning my apron! 🙂 It definitely gives you some kind of edge doesn’t it. Like an untold super power for mothers!
    Cleaners are amazing!! And I think their secret is that they do not have 3 small children ‘helping’ or at their feet. You deserve that! 🙂 Yippee!

  • Reply Kim May 5, 2015 at 6:36 am

    I love my apron, and wear it with pride 🙂

  • Reply Kellie Limeburner May 5, 2015 at 11:21 am

    I love to wear an apron when I cook and clean. I find it very comforting and it creates a psychological and emotional tie back to my paternal grandmother, who always wore an apron over her house dress:)
    I think it sets the tone for creating and nurturing. I think an apron has a symbolic tie to the traditional work of artisans, whether they be cooks, chefs, blacksmiths or bakers. I find them romantic, nostalgic and empowering. Somehow wearing one brings more value and care to the work I do in our home:)

  • Reply katepickle May 6, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    I’ve just started really embracing the apron after my Mum sewed me a few that were a little more my style… now I am loving them. But I’d love a cleaner more! LOL

  • Reply kate @ livinglovinglaughing May 7, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    I need to start wearing an apron, clearly!!! What a great idea. As for cleaners – definitely preferable 😉 I think they are so productive bc they are being PAID to stay on task, lol!!! That is my problem – distraction!

  • Reply Zena May 8, 2015 at 9:10 am

    My mum always wears an apron and she especially likes vintage ones from the op-shop. I also like to wear ones with pretty designs not only do they signal house duties and are an added protection they make me look nice:)

  • Reply Sara @ Happiness is here May 8, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Now I want an apron!

  • Reply Purposeful work and play ~ Happy Whimsical Hearts August 22, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    […] You can read more about purposeful work in Waldorf environments here. Or how wearing an apron helps here. […]

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