How do you DO it all?!
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| Sun, 10-17-2004 - 4:21pm |
I have a 7-year-old boy, a puppy (yeah, that probably wasn't a wise choice right now! lol), and a large house that requires constant cleaning due to my severe dust allergies. I'm just barely keeping up with all those responsibilities, but my once regular exercise routine has fallen by the wayside. My friends complain that I don't even call anymore (they're all married, but without children, so they don't get it), and I can't remember the last time I had a few minutes just for myself.
When I try to vent to my boyfriend (a happy-go-lucky sort who lives by himself in a tiny 800 sq ft apartment) he says things like, "What's the big deal? It's just laundry. It only takes five minutes." Of course, he doesn't have to do laundry for two!
A coworker of mine who has two children, two dogs, and a less-than-helpful husband says the only way to stay sane with this job is to hire a maid and send all the laundry out to the cleaners. Does anyone else out there have tips on how to cope? I'm desperate!

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All of your answers begin with D. The unimportant stuff slides and I am not afraid to ask for help or delegate.
Do you have any way to get a mommy's helper that can babysit AND help around the house? I have added a full time one this year - she picks up my son from school, gets him to swimming, shops and helps with meals. She also helps with homework. It is the only way....
I do the laundry myself, and I get the kids to help. I wash, they fold and put away (they are 12 and 7). Your 7-year old should be able to do at least some of that. Yeah, it won't be folded perfectly at first, but it'll be a start.
Maybe you could get some of those childless friends of yours to watch your son for an evening so you could have some "you" time? Also, check if some child-care or children's sport clubs have parents' night out programs. I know one couple who takes their 3-year old to a gymnastics studio on Friday night, and he's there till 10 or 11 pm. He's happy bouncing around, they get some adult time, everyone's happy. A local YMCA also has a Friday night program for kids that runs till late.
And you ARE accomplishing something, a lot! You finished grad school, and you're studying for a CPA exam! While working, traveling and being mom! Cut yourself some slack!
Good luck!
O.K. now think of the things you ARE doing. Being a good parent is the toughest job there is and you seem to be handling that alright so anything else thrown at you should be cake!
I'm a 21 yr old single mom of a 2.5yr old and an 11 month old working full-time.
When I do laundry, I load the kids up in the double stroller (im in n apt) go put a load in and take them for a walk around the block. then i swich it to the dryer and walk around again. That also gives me excercise and time to smoke.
I load the dishwasher at night before bed and my 2 yr old helps me unload it in the morning.
I bought a toy vacuum and a walker so 2 nights a week my son goes in the walkerand my daughter and I vacuum.
These are just a few tips to get you started.
I hope they help. If not.....e-mail me for more tips.... Patricia@Black.org