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How do you do it all???? - Page 2

post #21 of 25
My problem right now is that my 7 month old is clingy and doesn't like if I'm sitting still, say, reading with DD... and Ds1 is loud, so the baby doesn't sleep much during the day. It would be a lot easier if I could put him in the high chair with stuff or if he *gasp* slept(!) so I could do more with my older kids...
post #22 of 25
My kids are 5 and 2. I certainly don't do it all either, but here are my best tips that help things go smoother:

1. Laundry - I don't have the kids fold anything, but they can put almost all of it away. So that keeps them busy and helping while I fold.

2. Cleaning - I got some cloths and a mop from ecloth.com that only use water, so they can each have their own cloth and take turns with the mop. They can't do any harm and it helps some, too. We all "clean" together and they aren't making more of a mess while I'm focused on cleaning.

3. "Play store" - we put most of their toys in bins and they are allowed to check out one bin at a time. They have to put one away before they can get another. I do make exceptions when they want to play with two at a time (hey I'm all about creative play, so making a house with the magnatiles for the playmobil people is cool) but mostly they play one thing at a time. No limit on number of checkouts per day, just have to clean up one before you get a new one. This has helped tremendously.

4. Cooking - um... this is my weakest point. I do best when I meal-plan. Must get back on that. My 5yo is very picky and I've just decided that it's more important to me that we have a nice family meal together without arguing than that he eat what I decided to make, so he can make himself a sandwich if he doesn't want what we're having. I try to keep lots of healthy-enough snacks around and my kids will eat fruit, and worst case I can make a smoothie (with spinach, even, b/c blueberries turn it all purple) and they can have that and I'm ok with that.

HTH some
post #23 of 25
Ok, so I called and scheduled the cleaning lady to come November 3rd and do the scrubbing. That means that the afternoon of November 2nd, the kids and I will get the house all straightened up and organized so that she can actually do the cleaning bit. Until then, I'm going to keep it mostly clean and neat.

I planned out dinners for this week that are mostly healthy and don't take long to prepare. I also got healthy snack foods for the kids. Did the grocery shopping today after the gym.

Dinners for this week:

- taco night (ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, salsa, cheese, taco shells)
- spaghetti w/marinara sauce
- BBQ sandwiches and fries
- macaroni and cheese w/veggies
- "eat out at Chipotle night" (yay!)
- Halloween party with Holistic Moms Network (I need to bring something for potluck)

Tomorrow, I'm going to make out lesson plans for the week and balance out my work schedule with our homeschooling.

So, it'll all be planned out, house, food and school!
post #24 of 25
Well...I'd say 1/4 of the time I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown. Mine are 4 and 6. 18 months apart.

I say the EXACT same things as you. First...no tolerating building castles of silverware/throwing laundry, etc.

We have easy chores for the kids. My daughter (6) makes their bed. The 4 year old picks up books. Even a 3-year-old can pick up books.

They also have to do other things around the house-- they can put up silverware, or bring you the trash cans, or pick up all the Legos or whatever. They HAVE to do that before they are allowed to watch any movies. (We don't do regular TV.)

Just happens to be that movies do not start before 3pm. Which also happens to be the witching hour in our house.

While they are watching a movie, that's the perfect time to make dinner or do the laundry or go to your room and relax.

I plan out meals a week at a time. Easy meals that I know I can do and I know my kids will eat (my daughter does not eat meat). Certain nights might have the crock pot.

Hang in there, mama. It DOES get easier.

**I'm currently reading the book Total Mom Makeover. She's also a HS mom! Of 7! Has anyone read this and followed its advice?***
post #25 of 25
I'd never seen her before! Here's the link to get the free planner sheets:

http://hannahkeeley.com/help

I just put her book on hold at the library's website.
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