Kids can be extremely messy, and this may or may not annoy you, but kids should know how to clean up after themselves, but most kids couldn’t care less about a tidy house.

• Delegate to the kids - While kids should be able to play they should also be able to take delegation so if you tell them to tidy up the table as dinner is nearly ready they should do it. It may take practice especially for younger kids and it may not be to your high standards, but it gives them a chance to learn how to tidy themselves. This is an extremely important lesson.
• Give them a few chores - A few chores are good for children no matter what their age is. A two-year-old can put his toys away and pop clothes into a drawer and yes, it may not be done correctly but at least you are given them lessons in responsibility for their little messes and teaching them to take care of things themselves. Relying on their parents is not ideal as this will not get them doing things themselves if you always do it. Let them do it and it can build from there.
• Accept that house will be messy at times - Kids will kids as they say, and this is true. They will play and make a mess, but it doesn’t mean it will be like that all the time. They will grow up and then you can have a fancy show house style home. For now, it is harder, but the kids are only young for a short time. Most people understand how hard it is when you have kids and you shouldn’t let it bother you.  
• Have a system for the messes that are too messy - Sure, the kids can make a mess but ensure there is a line to how messy they can let the place become and make that clear. If they have smeared juice across the floor for the fun of it this is across the messy line and they should get into trouble for that. However, it all takes time and kids will learn once you show them how to behave and how to clean up after themselves.
• Tidy up in the evening - Once the kids go to bed you can do the spring clean and do a quick tidy up but stop short of doing the full-blown cleaning ritual as the kids will be up first thing in the morning anyway. They won’t care that you polished the table or hoovered the floor! Keep it simple and if you aren’t expecting any visitors why worry too much. Take a break and enjoy the evening respite and chill out!