To be jealous of their free time

[ExtraPineappleExtraHam]

I know I was the one who decided to have two kids but I really need some help to clean my house. Things are at a critical level, climbing over mounds of clean and dirty washing to get into the bed, not able to shut dd's door due to toys and books, no room in fridge due to mountains of half eaten left overs. I just need a few kid free hours to do it and they don't nap.
All I can think of is that loads of my family and friends are just sat about at this time of year, eating. No one has volunteered to have them. Should I ask or do people want to relax at this time of year without a 2 year old and a 1 year old crashing about the place. I just feel so desperate to make the most of my few days off and I'm fed up of living in these conditions.

[BrutusMcDogface]

You can only ask, and be prepared for the fact that they can and might say no?

Do you have a partner?

[YellowMakesMeSmile]

Why can't your partner have them? Or you could get up early and get it done if they are in work. I often did my housework before they awoke.

I don't think it's fair to ask others because you think they are just sat around and should help.

[Argeles]

I wish people would volunteer to come and help me too!

I have actually had a few offers, but then they never supply information as to when this may happen, and I’m left struggling and feeling awkward as to whether to tell them I need their help and could they please come on xyz.

I find the only way I can ever try and keep on top of the basics without help is to put a dvd or the tv on and get on with the cleaning and tidying. I hate doing it, but I can’t live in a shit tip as I get very stressed.

[gamerwidow]

You can ask but there is no way I would be up for giving up my Christmas break to look after your kids. You might get lucky and find you have family who am super keen to spend time with the kids though? My holiday is hard earned too (although to be fair also not relaxing because I have a 7 year old at home).
I don’t think you can really expect anyone to volunteer.

[Furgggggg12]

Get on with it. Start when they're in bed. Am a lone parent, that's when things get done in the house.

[Deemail]

Before having children did you ever volunteer to mind someone else's kids or were you asked? Maybe ask those people?

[Thehogfather]

You can ask but as said be prepared and accepting if they say no.

I had my dd when I was younger than the current norm, hence many peers are now at the baby/ toddler stage while I have a teenager who tbf isn't much trouble .

I have, and would for one friend with young dc. But unless it was an emergency/ other issues it would be a resounding no in your situation, I've earnt the right to make the most of my free time.

[oliveinacampervan]

'No-one has volunteered to have my children.'

Why SHOULD they? They're your children.

As you quite rightly said, you CHOSE to have them. It's not up to others to look after them for you - for free I expect?

Where is the father?

[grobagsforever]

Goodness me just ask! Ppl are not psychic!

[PurpleDaisies]

All I can think of is that loads of my family and friends are just sat about at this time of year, eating.

Yes, that’s all that’s in the lives of people without children.

If you’re struggling, I’d ask for specific help on a specific day rather than waiting for people to magically know you want them to offer.

[RomansRevenge]

Just get on with it. What do you think lone parents do?

[Trafficjammadness]

Vwrt rarely will people volunteer. Ask them, if they say no then accept it.

Why can't you clear out the fridge whilst they're awake? Or do it when they're asleep. You can't let everything build up for weeks and then expect someone to look after them

[strangerhoes]

I don’t know how you can get it in that state.
Lots of people have children and don’t live in a hovel.

[TammySwansonTwo]

I don't get any help with the twins besides my DH, no family around and no friends who I dislike enough to unload them on to 😂 To be honest even if they offered I'd struggle to say yes. I just have to go wait til they're in bed. I'm utterly exhausted, haven't had a break since they came home from hospital. I do find I get jealous of friends with a lot of support for their kids but it's not their fault. It's tough.

[Trafficjammadness]

I have a 3 yo, and say I'm tidying stick him in front of Peppa pig or toys and get on with it

[TammySwansonTwo]

Oh, and I totally did have my friend's baby for her when he was small and she had appointments. No way I'd dump two toddlers on her when she already has a bigger toddler though!

[Greensky89]

People usually get it done while the children are sleeping.
I'm guessing they sleep a lot at that age.

[monkeywithacowface]

It is hard and obviously it would be wonderful to off load the kids and crack on but I don't think you should be too surprised people aren't falling over themselves to babysit. Looking after other people's children is dull (well it is to me!) and not how I would choose to spend my christmas holidays

[kaytee87]

Why would anyone volunteer to have them?

Clean at night when they're asleep. Attempt to get them napping by trying every day in a dark room etc. Children that age still need naps, it might just take a lot of effort to get them to nap

[ElizaDontlittle]

There are plenty of childless people who would give anything to be a parent.
You can feel jealous but you can also understand that others struggle with different things.
Even though I can easily feel jealous of people that have families to spend time with, it's easy to accept that they withdraw and don't spend a lot of time with me this time of year. And also understand that just because they have what I wish I had.

[museumum]

Are you single? If not get your partner to take them out or to his family or friends for the day.
We only got things done when ours were that age by alternating taking them visiting or meeting up with folk while the other did stuff in the house.

[TammySwansonTwo]

I'm guessing they sleep a lot at that age

HAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH.

No.