discipline and a lack of responsiveness);
and child behavior problems such as
impulsivity, conduct problems and
delinquency. Caregivers who report
elevated levels of chaos in the home had
children described by teachers as having
elevated levels of behavioral problems.
Household clutter and excess visual
stimuli create tension in the home as
well. Children tend to act out more in a
cluttered home which further impacts the
way a mother responds to them. Mothers
who feel frazzled often become more
authoritarian and harsher in
their parenting style.
If you have a high
volume of clutter, it's
likely a subconscious
distraction tactic to cover
up resentment, regret
or remorse. The clutter
contributes to keeping
these heavy, dense
emotions anchored in and
covered up. The negative
energy is simply projected
back onto yourself and is
in essence a form of self-
betrayal. This is a toxic
pattern that can lead to
physical disease.
Many people who accumulate material
goods do so to increase their happiness
and satisfaction, though the opposite
may be true. Those who are heavily
materialistic tend to be less satisfied with
their possessions than those who prefer a
simple lifestyle. Clutter tends to decrease
relaxation as it gives an individual too much
to think about and plenty to maintain.
Photo: Lisa VanDoorne
