How do you get it all done?

[Crackersknackered]

I’ve got two DC (4&8) and work part-time, DH works away 40%. When he’s here he’s brilliant but much of the time I’m on my own. I’m just drowning! By the time I’ve got the washing and ironing done, I’ve not even put it away before it’s time for the next load. Plus juggling DC activities, appointments, etc. People talk about babies being difficult but I feel this is a totally different order of magnitude! We don’t have money for a cleaner or other help, and no local family who can help with DC. Am I doing something wrong or is this just how it goes for most people?

I have dcs the same age and work pt but I'm fortunate that DH doesn't work away at all so is always around in the evenings (and pulls his weight, will hang up laundry and wash up pans without being asked).

I iron almost nothing, I'll do it for a wedding or anniversary dinner but no need for day to day clothes. DH and I both have casual offices and I mostly wfh.

I batch cook dinner once a week, the other nights are simple dinners.

I have low sleep needs and am usually up until 2am so I can get cleaning and admin done then - I'd struggle to be as organised if I went to bed at 10pm.

The dcs both have extracurriculars and homework/music practice which takes a lot of coordination. I wouldn't do as much if DH worked away, he often picks up one dc while I take the other to an activity further away.

I’ve got a 7 & 9 year old and I find it a lot harder than the baby stage… it’s just full on, I only cope by not doing it all on my own. Sorry op.

Call me unreasonable but if you can’t afford help with outsourcing cleaning, ironing etc whilst having to hold down the fort, what is the point in your husband working away.

Surely the big sacrifice of him not being around should be because it pays off financially and if it doesn’t, what’s the point?

I know it’s easier said than done but I would be seeing if him getting a local job could be on the cards.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t iron 😂 I don’t even own one

That sounds amazing. How many hours a day on household chores. I suppose you just never stop.

Food delivery every week, same slot everyweek. Massive time saver. We have a midweek pass which makes it less than £1 a week. Given it stops me picking up bits I didn't need in the shop, I consider it a money saver too. I've not done a big supermarket food shop for years.

We also double cook each night, so make enough for 2 nights and then just reheat second portion and do fresh rice/pasta if needed on second night. Reduces the planning and the cooking time.

I simplify as much as possible but agree these years are busy!

I don't iron. I use crease release spray and have a handheld steamer if anything really needs it.

I do one load of washing every single day otherwise it piles up quickly.

Food is simple on days when I have been working. We did stir fried noodles with veg and peanuts tonight as I could have it on the table in ten minutes but jacket potatoes with beans, egg on toast, pasta with pesto, falafel and hummus wraps etc all feature heavily as they're dinners that can be made quickly in between coming in from work and taking DDs back out to clubs.

I make DDs' packed lunches the evening before and put the whole lunchbox in the fridge overnight. Again, there's nothing wrong with keeping it simple and they often have the same lunch because they eat it, it's nutritious and cheap. Cheese sandwich on wholemeal bread, cucumber and carrot sticks, an apple and a yoghurt. Or they'll have leftovers from the night before.....you don't win any awards for making life complicated.

Other than that I just accept it's a busy time. We limit DDs to two clubs each because otherwise it's just too much and we keep Sunday completely free so we can chill out, I can batch cook if I want to but mainly we don't have to be anywhere!