We’ve tried so many ways to instill a sense of tidiness in our kids. We’ve nagged them to clear away their mess until we’re blue in the face. We’ve threatened to pile it all into a refuse sack and throw it on the tip. We wish Jessica McGinty had come along earlier with this particular life hack – the ‘fucket bucket’.
Jessica, a mum-of-three, has a Facebook page called Mishmash Moments. When she shared this photograph, featuring five buckets in different colours, she had no idea of the response she’d elicit.
“Today I got the kids fucket buckets™,” she wrote. “If they leave it laying around, it goes in their bucket. If it’s still there at bedtime it goes in the bin because fucket if I’m cleaning it up.”
The post went viral
The idea struck a chord, with more than 26,000 shares and 24,000 comments on the post within just a few days. Parents everywhere vowed to give the idea a try in their own homes.
“Is this for husbands, too?” asked one. While another said: “If we did this, our house would be empty in two days!”
It attracted some alternative ideas
Some were keen to share their own ideas for keeping their kids’ mess under control.
“My favourite cleaning equipment was a garden rake, into the middle of the room, easy to pick up from a central position,” recalled one mum. Another added: “I throw everything into the cupboard under the stairs in a big pile. I can’t see it so it doesn’t bother me. If they want something, they have to sort through it themselves. It’s made them tidier with small toys at least.”
Others had a slight variation on the theme.
“I don’t know about throwing it all in the bin, it’s a bit of a waste. Think I’ll try this but give the things to a charity shop instead,” said one. Another suggested: “Maybe think of some kind of reward if they clear up or empty their bucket quickly?”
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