I agree that every pin needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I also agree that someone could go off of the deep end trying to replicate the perfect Pinterest home. But, here's the thing, I think Pinterest is full of positives.
Let's rewind to the mid 20th century. This was the typical housewife:
{Via}
She kept a tidy home, her children were the center of her world, and she gave her undivided attention to her husband.
Fast forward to today.
{Via}
Moms have thousands of things on their plates. There are jobs, families, and other tidbits of life thrown in. Somewhere between the first picture and the second picture, I think we have forgotten how to take care of a home. And that's where Pinterest can lead our generation back to the basics.
There are a few fundamentals of keeping house. First, it should be somewhat clean and orderly. Secondly, you should do your best to make nutritious meals. And lastly, you should throw in a little bit of love to make it feel like a home. Over time, I think people have become so focused on their jobs that they've forgotten these fundamentals.
Maybe it's a new recipe, a tip for organizing that junk drawer, or a craft to hang on the wall: Pinterest can help the non-functional homemakers out there bring joy to their family. Pinterest brings homemaking to the forefront of our thoughts.
Forget all the bullcrap about feeling like a failure if your home doesn't look like a magazine spread. Instead, focus on the things you can do to make your family feel loved. If it doesn't come natural for you, find inspiration on Pinterest. You don't have to be the first picture or the second, you just have to be your best self.
Shameless plug: follow me on Pinterest.
And cue the feminazis now.
I really enjoyed this. And I completely agree. Before we got married, we talked about what we wanted our house to look like, and that 'middle of the road' area was where we fell. Somewhat clean and orderly, but lived in. As far as no one's house looking that perfect - if that is what makes them happy and they can accomplish it, so be it. But creating unrealistic expectations - that's someone's personal take, and if it's not Pinterest where they're looking, it will be a magazine or another website or somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kecia. That's a good point about people looking at magazines or the other websites for inspiration, too. Those sources are no different than Pinterest. I think the "middle of the road" place is the best place to be!
ReplyDeleteDo you follow Jeans Boots? Awesome blog! Her post last week got me thinking about Pinterest. (http://jeansboots.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-greatest-institution-in-world.html) I think the world would be a better place if everyone did a little more cleaning, a little more cooking, and a little more sewing/crafting. Not everybody has a Harrison Extension Homemakers in their life to push them along, so I guess that where's Pinterest comes in. :)