I like to feel I’ve conquered the myth that you can’t have a nice house if you have kids. I’ve managed to have white walls and a white couch and antique pieces these last four or so years that I’ve been intentionally decorating my home while simultaneously birthing and raising kids. But there are five things (at least) I’ve had to say goodbye to…for now. And this could just be me and my house and my kids, but I still thought I’d share.

1. The Decorative Pillows. Womp, womp, womp. This may be the saddest piece I’ve had to give up. I love cute accent pillows. And I still buy some every once and awhile or collaborate with a small business that makes pillow covers. But I can’t keep them out because they get thrown onto the floor faster than you can say, “Don’t” around here. Or they get smudged fingerprints. They only get brought out for photos and then they go into a closet or I give them away. I know some who keep them out anyway, but I got really tired of picking them up and putting them back on the couch, chair, etc. Not worth it, for me! 🙂

2. The Throw Blanket. This one makes me pretty sad too because I love a good throw blanket thrown on the edge of a couch. My throw blankets are in a dismal state because not only do they get thrown on the floor, they get drug around, become a toy or fort. They occasionally do get used to wrap up with, but then they become dingy. I keep my nicer ones tucked away for when guests are over.

3. Curtains. This one makes the list because I have children that like to hide behind the curtains. No big deal, right? Well, they tug on them to the point that my curtain rods start to become unscrewed from the wall. Yikes! No one wants to have a curtain rod come hitting their toddler in the head. Thankfully, we live in a very private location and don’t really need to use curtains. We did just recently install some bamboo blinds in our bedroom and I think I prefer the look of them to curtains anyway.

4. Magazines. I have a cute basket that was full of magazines. I also have a cute toddler that considers it her job to take out every single magazine, every single day. She also like to rip pages. I’ve learned it’s best to read them and then recycle them or keep my favorites out of sight (or reach).

5. Baskets. I have a love/hate relationship with baskets. They are a necessity in our house because we can throw toys in there for a quick clean up. But guess what also makes it’s way into the baskets? Shoes, sippy cups, forks, jackets…everything is fair game to be thrown into the baskets when the kids are doing the picking up! lol And we also have to deal with our toddler dragging it around and dumping it all out too!

There you have it! Five items I’ve found that are difficult to have with little kids. I’ve got an honorable mention for you too…bookcases. I can’t have bookcases and if I do, then bottom two or three shelves have to be empty! lol With all of that being said, you CAN have a pretty home! You just have to find what works with your kids. And what may not work in my home may work in yours. Do you have an item in your home you’ve realized is useless with kids or maybe pets around?