Parenting Australia

Reflections on the Fridge

I was so excited when we bought a new fridge last year. I wasn't at all disappointed that our white beast was on its last legs because it meant I could have a swish looking stainless beauty that would compliment my kitchen. I told everyone I was going to leave it clutter free. I was going to have the designer look - sleek and elegant. And I did. For about a week.

Then I decided one or two tasteful photos would be nice to display there, so they went up. They were closely followed by some artwork my daughter "really absolutely" (her favourite phrase... thanks Lola) had to display. Our guide to introducing solids had to go on the fridge too, and then our jobs chart, and... well, you get the idea.
Catherine Oehlman

I looked at the fridge this week and sighed, remembering the bold statement I made when the fridge was shiny and new. Reluctantly I got a rubbish bag ready, and prepared to declutter the fridge door. The funny thing was, I couldn’t put a single thing in the bin! Everything was current, relevant and still important.

You can learn a lot about my family from our fridge. Our kids light up our world, so of course there is an individual photo of each of them, and one of them together. There’s also a photo of the girl we sponsor through Compassion, because we know that we are blessed with much and have a responsibility to give to those with little. There’s a poem about investing more time in kids than in cleaning, because I am a mother first and a housewife second. We try not to sweep emotions under the rug, so there’s a feelings chart with a face for each member of our family. There’s a jobs chart, because we all have a part to play in taking care of our home. There is a list of 101 ways to praise a child. We value creativity, so there is usually at least one mini masterpiece on display. And in between it all are little words, made into sentences that we can change around when we have the urge. At the moment the sentences, “You make me smile!” and “I thank God for my precious children” are on display.

How could I possibly put any of that in the bin? The uncluttered look I had so longed for suddenly seemed less desirable. A lot less desirable. I smiled at the stuff on the fridge instead of sighing.

I realised that the fridge is a reflection of our family. It represents who we are, and what is important to us. All references to food aside, the humble fridge is the centre of our home.

What does your fridge say about your family...? Come and share on our discussion forum!

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Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children.

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