If you're a SAHP with school age children, do you get loads of 'extra' things done?

[MrsDeaconClaybourne]

Or do you find jobs expand to fill your time? Genuinely curious and not judgy.

Over the last few years I've been working in a way that means I have periods where I'm WOH loads then times when I'm effectively a SAHM. (supply teacher)

When I'm working I always imagine that I'll achieve some great projects when I'm at home - loads of DIY, write a novel, blog, study or something. In reality I just do the things I normally rush round fitting in around work but in a more relaxed and enjoyable way so taking the dog for a long walk after the DC are at school rather than dashing out before breakfast; going to Aldi/shopping around instead of having the same order delivered from Tesco every Sunday. DH has less to do when he's around which means more relaxed evenings and weekends which is lovely but generally means we watch box sets and drink tea rather than achieving anything impressive!

Not even sure what the point of this thread is really other than another symptom of having time on my hands Think I'm hoping to be inspired by people doing amazing things between 9.30 and 3!

I’m always busy and never bored

I have thought about getting the kids to sew it but frankly it would be soul destroying. While I do want to teach them life skills I can’t face sitting there with an 8 year old trying to sew the badges which are really quite thick and tricky to sew.

To me waking up early doesn’t really count although I can see it could be useful as it is actually the school day I am trying to get stuff done in.

I've sewed many brownies badges recently.. honestly, I don't think an eight year old could manage that. They're quite thick to get the needle through.

I was a stay at home mum a few years ago and I really miss having all that free time. I must have a very tiny house compared to other posters as its never taken me more than and hour and half to clean and tidy my house.

former, yes the badges are a nightmare to sew . I find it difficult myself and usually need a thimble.

Totally cleaning my house I would say takes at least 3 hours. I can hoover (non stop) in 35 minutes to do an adequate clean and 45 mins to hoover it properly. I have a biggish four bedroom house.

Just tidying can take an hour if there is stuff everywhere, dishes to do etc.

I don;t know why they can't make those badges with iron on stick stuff like they do school labels. I used to dread them also (and often not do them)

Why are you sewing badges, are they not supposed to do it themselves?
My dd is Scouts/ well Explorer now and she's always had to do her own, they aren't allowed to get adults to do it for them.
brownies sounds rubbish

I don't understand this competition of who is busier that I see on here.
If I thought I had to busy myself all day I'd crack up, because I'm not a robot.
I love being able to come and go as I please and not having my time dictated to me. I hate routine and doing the same boring thing day in day out.
I rarely set an alarm, it's brilliant, and I can recommend the freedom.

I don’t want to derail the thread too much with talking about a Brownie badges! To reply though, I know a lot of 7 and 8 year old girls and no way could they sew the badge on. Maybe a select few. If it’s not Brownies it is swimming or some other thing anyway.

I’m not in competition to win anything. I feel I need to be busy because if I am not earning and kids are at school I feel I should be cooking, cleaning and getting the house tidy, life admin etc. I feel the need to be busy as to be quite honest I feel like a total failure at being organised and I am disgusted with myself that the house is still often a mess, I can’t keep up with the laundry etc. I’m not trying to be busy, I’m trying not to be a complete and utter failure!

Disorganised please try to be kind to yourself and give yourself a break. I learned the hard way and through depression learned to take care of myself and be kind - self care etc. We all deserve to look after ourselves