Routines

[Isitschooltimeyet]

Not sure if this is in the right place but...what are your daily routines? Im a sahm (single parent 3 dcs under 7) im just seem to be drowning in washing ironing dusting hoovering. My home never seems tidy i dont expect my home to be a palace but i never seem to be on top of anything. I dread guests just calling in. So im just wondering what other mums routines are? Also how do you cope with not getting a minute? I cant have a wee without a knock on the door Tia

[Shybairns]

I gave up on ironing anything and rarely dust. I became a single mum a year ago and have 2 DCs 4 and 6.

I am happy as long as front room is tidy, kitchen counters clear and clean and halway isn't a tripping hazard! I try and do a load of washing a day. Hoover once a week (sometimes don't get to it) and do toilets and sinks once a week.

Occasionally I'll blitz a room top to bottom, throw out clutter etc. But I have to be feeling really energised and motivated for this to happen.

I don't put house work above playing/chatting with kids, seeing friends and giving myself enough down time in order that I don't go insane and get worn out.
That means that when folk call in I usually have to frantically tidy a bit or do some washing up. But I don't mind this. My friends know I'm not mad on house work. I make a big effort for others if I am pre warned of a visit.

Not much help am I? Just being honest. Don't think I'm that unusual.

[Isitschooltimeyet]

What do you do with your ironing pile? I just seem to be making life harder than what it should be, i just let things mount up and then lose the plot and clean like my life depends on it lol. Its like on school mornings im ironing uniform, making lunches and feeding a baby all at once

[Spookey80]

I have 2 dcs and work pt. I am very similar to shybairns. Occasionally I do feel a bit stressed but then I just have a blitz. I agree that I would not put cleaning above chatting, playing with dcs or doing something nicer!
I also don't iron,,..or not much and my kids still look tidy.
Honestly I sound a bit crap,,but most people come to my house and say its really tidy.

[Shybairns]

I smooth out clothes when they are damp from the machine and then hang them to dry. If you use fabric softener this should be fine. Clothes only slightly creased. Which I personally don't mind. So no ironing pile. clothes dry on racks and are then put straight away.

School uniform doesn't seem to need ironing.

Maybe try making the sandwiches for the packed lunches the night before. I usually can't be arsed of an evening, but when I have done it is really does make things easier in the morning.

[Isitschooltimeyet]

I dont make the dcs miss out on having fun, but its like the other day we went out early in a day trip and when we got home which was late i had the tidying up to do and i just thort to myself if only i was more organised then it wouldnt be such a mess.

[Isitschooltimeyet]

I think my biggest problem is i grew up in a messy laundry filled house and i hated it, i dont want my dcs to feel the same and because im at home i feel like i dont have an excuse for stuff not to be done. I just need a massive kick up the arse.

[Shybairns]

Whe your a single parent its always an uphill struggle.
Try to go easy on yourself. It sounds like you are doing your best.

I often come in after a day and have 5 things to do at once. I don't like it at all. But there's no one to help each day so I just do what I can and try not to get stressed and bellow at the kids.

[sedgieloo]

I only have two, but they are really young. I am struggling to get my hands free for even a few mins. I found lots of ideas onthe goodhouskeeping board. I have a lot of storage solutions. I do laundry most days and fold immediately the dyer finishes. I batch cook so I only need to cook from scratch 3-4 times a week. If I had school age kids I would freeze sandwiches as cheese/ham/butter/bread freeze great. I online shop. I repeat the mantra 'if you can put it down you can put it away' e.g tidy as I go. I will clean toilet, sink as i bath toddler and clean out bath whilst she's on the potty stuff like that...it's a constant battle!