to feel like I never get any housework done?

[lill72]

It is really getting me down. I have a 5 year old at school and an 11 month old at home. When the 11 month old sleeps I can't be too noisy so is hard t do some jobs. I am so sleep deprived at the moment I sometimes just want to rest. I have no energy and feel like I am been lazy, though if neither was here, I would whip round in the morning and get it done. I am depressed at looking at the mess but so low on energy. I have a cleaner once a week and I love the house after that but it soon turns messy again.

Anyone got a secret strategy to keeping on top of things? I feel so useless at the moment.

[Etak15]

I'm the same got 2 at school one at nursery half days and 11
Month old at home when he's awake can't get much done either have to do stuff with one arm or have him pulling on my legs!! This morning while he napped I managed to get all downstairs floors hoovered/mopped and made beds put washing on etc, but now after picking dd from nursery giving them lunch it doesn't look like any cleaning happened I wish I'd just had a sleep with the baby! And the same cycle will continue this afternoon and probs for about the next 20 yrs ha! No magic tips but give yourself a break even if it only looks clean and tidy for 10 minutes each day at least you know it's been done! Think I might need a cleaner I'm back at work soon don't know what will happen then!

[lill72]

Ha Etak yes it is impossible to get things done when they are awake isn't it. I just get frustrated at the two minutes here and there, I wait til later. Then I think I will do it all at night but then again I am just too exhausted. So the cycle starts with a messy house. Ahh! I just had it sorted with my 3 year old then I became pregnant again! Sorry you have similar woes though nice to hear I am not alone. It is a tricky balance. A cleaner is def worth the money if you can afford. I love the house when she has been and see it as it could be - lovely! Hmmmm, we are destined for years more mess. Deep breaths!

[Sparrowlegs248]

I feel the same. I have 13wk old DS who doesn't nap well at all. He will nap in the sling (can't do a lot else if he's in it) or on me. In the car or on the Pam if i am walking (but not at home)

Its made worse by DH's clutter. Even when I've tidied and hoovered it
never looks just done.

[lill72]

Same Nottalotta - it never looks just done.

[Boutonneux]

Be kind to yourselves. When they're so little it's really, really hard to keep on top of housework. When mine were small it used to stress me out so much, I would often be in tears with it (which was daft really when you think about it). I promise, it does get easier as they get older and can entertain themselves a bit more.

[guajiraguantanamera]

Nottalotta I feel your pain! The living room window ledge is full of clutter- makes the whole room look messy imo!

[SkyFoCrumbo]

Lower your expectations and try not to worry too much.

DH and I both work and have two primary school aged children. We are also lucky enough to have a cleaner once a week. The house is lovely for approx. 48 hours after she comes and is at rock bottom again by the time she visits the following week. Thats how it goes .

Far better to catch up on your rest and do some things that you find relaxing and enjoyable than to have a spotless house!

As your children get older you can get them o board more, too, so it does get slightly easier. My two tidy their own rooms now before the cleaner comes, which is one less thing for me to worry about.

Chin up!

[Jw35]

I have a 10 month old and a 12 year old at school and I cleaned upstairs for the first time in weeks today!

[Lisajonasuk]

Get a cleaner, its my one big luxury and its amazing. If money is tight only have her come every other week.

[MrsJ12]

With a 3month old and 2 year old I felt exactly the same. I'm crying update just about manage to keep things tidy but felt I never had the time to clean and it was getting me really frustrated. In the end we've just got a cleaner coming for 2hrs every other week. It's an expense we don't need while I'm on maternity but I can justify it to myself as it keeps me sane and allows me more time with my children

[HackerFucker22]

I have two at home and my house is a shit tip. My 3 year old rarely naps anymore and my 9 month old only catnaps so I struggle to keep on top of things. I manage the basics - washing up, laundry, wipe surfaces, hoover a few times per week but I cannot tell you the last time I mopped my bathroom kitchen I mop slightly more often

Older DC is toilet training so my loo is sparkling at the moment, he touches everything in there so I have to keep it clean.