I'm done apologizing for clutter {issue 35}

Plus, the 9 best Father's Day gifts, according to dads.

June 3, 2021 No. 35 Happy Pride Month! We're celebrating the shape of all families that are so lovingly made. Here are some of our favorite picture books with LBGTQ representation. —Thao     Why I'm Done Apologizing for Clutter — And Why Mental Health Experts Encourage This Too It happens each evening: I walk through a doorway and inevitably trip over something that belongs to one of the little humans I just tucked into bed. Be it LEGOs, dirty socks, pacifiers, or a half-open book, the feeling is always the same. The volcano of parenting failures that's been bubbling since dawn suddenly erupts like flaming lava.   I spend most days juggling three kids, a full-time job, a marriage, personal fulfillment — all amidst a pandemic — yet clutter is the thing that breaks me. A quick scroll of my Instagram newsfeed seals the deal: other parents can raise kids and keep their homes clean.   What am I doing wrong? I know I'm not the only one that feels this way. read more > cubby ❤️ We couldn't stop thinking about these ricotta fish cakes from the Simply Julia cookbook — talk about an upgrade from frozen fish sticks. This recipe makes for a quick weeknight dinner that kids will keep requesting. (Tip: have them crush the potato chips for the recipe!)   Photo by Melina Hammer eat     5 Quick Family Dinners That Start with Rotisserie Chicken  Use this weeknight standby for some simple, nutritious meals that will become regulars. read more >     The Best IKEA Food Finds for Families Don't bypass the IKEA Marketplace — there are some hidden (and super budget-friendly) gems you can't miss! read more > play     9 Dads Share the Best Gift They've Ever Received (No Ties Involved!) All the things, ranging from a high-end tech gadget to a suction wine cup for the clumsy among us. read more >     If Your Tweens or Teens Are on Social Media, Go Do This Right Now  I'm not saying it's the life-changing secret trick to getting kids to talk to you — but I'm not NOT saying it either. read more > live     Here's How to Create a Book-Lover's Dream Bedroom, According to a Designer We can't get enough of this bright, colorful space, including a tiny but perfectly organized toy closet. read more >     We Just Found Your Family's New Favorite Gadget for Keeping Mosquitoes Away A $40 repellant system that will leave the little ones bite-free all summer long. read more > cubby finds: best boosters MOD booster with cushion OXO tot red dual height Bombol pop-up ask maxwell My son is ten and he is messy, but I really want him to at least make his bed in the morning. When I grew up I had to and I feel like a bad parent for not succeeding here. Got any tips? —Ellery Dear Ellery,   I have to admit that I'm struggling with this one too with my 14 year old, and to give you some local color, I've made this little video to share with you. My problems only began about a year ago and she used to be very good at this! While I'm still figuring out how to deal with this as she enters high school, I will share with you what I did to date that helped.  read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Waking your kids from a nap Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE