How to manage the ‘holidays’ when you don’t get a break?

[Newkitty]

I haven’t had whole a day off since June and I’m knackered. So is dh. So is dd. We have a small flat, no garden, and now we’re in tier 4 so nowhere to go and nothing to do and no one to see.

We’re ok for food and presents for dd. But I am dreading the next 2 weeks of cooking and tidying and cleaning and keeping her entertained indoors, while dh tries to work most of the time.

I know we’re very lucky and I know it’s important to do this. But how do I find the energy? Does anyone else feel like this?

To make matters worse, I have put off two very important pieces of work til the new year so that I can get them done ‘after I’ve had a rest’ But I’m going to be even more tired than I have been already!

[Newkitty]

Bump

[sittingonacornflake]

Screen time.

[MotherExtraordinaire]

Surely your oh isn't working the entirety of the time? Surely you can tag tail with him?

I'm a lone parent and have been wfh too so get the tiredness. I'm trying really hard to keep bedtimes the usual time rather than allowing to be up later as I would usually allow, so that I get time to do all the Christmas prep but also some chill out time. Hope you can find a similar balance.

[InTheLongGrass]

Lower the cleaning standards.
Have some days with very simple food/cooking requirements.
Can DH do a day at the weekends and let you slob?

But also, for tonight, just forget about it all. Lots of people are going to be reeling from today's announcement. Put your feet up, have a drink and treat to eat, and cone up with a plan tomorrow.

[BigGreen]

I hear you. Luckily my DH takes time off too, but with small kids it's still a struggle x

[Ragwort]

As a pp says - lower your standards, with one child surely you don't need to be cleaning every day? Have simple meals, get out in the fresh air, make sure your DH takes your DD out on his own so you get some time to yourself.

[whatwouldyoudo85]

Same here OP. 4 year old and a nearly 1 year old. It's relentless.

As others have said, I think tag teaming with DH is the only way forward really. On days when he is working, when the youngest naps I let the eldest watch TV or play on the ipad and that buys me some time. I do cleaning etc in the evenings.

This time next year it will all be loads better (I hope).

[june2007]

Aim to get out daily, a walk round the block, a trip to a park/wood, Cornor shop. Bake with child depending on age/ make playdough/cornflour play/ watch corny moovies. I mean their shouldn,t be much more cleaning then you usually have and everyone in tier 4 is in the same boat.