to be that stressed getting everything ready for my holiday that i am actually NOT looking forward to it?

[superv1xen]

me and dp are going away on saturday for a week i have got sooooooo much to do and its getting on top of me and really stressing me out!

my parents are having the kids but they are staying here so its easier (ie all the kids stuffs here etc). so i have got to make the house ready for them, make sure there are basic groceries in, everythings sorted for the kids, and the house has got to be spotlessly clean as i just would not feel happy them being here if it was anything other than immaculate. they are taking the DC away for 3 days as well next week so i have got to pack for them to. i wanted to mow the lawn so that looks nice too but its been pissing down all week so havent been able to!

and thats on top of all the packing i have got to do for myself and make sure everythings clean that i want to take and that i dont forget anything important, the kids are driving me mental and being particulary demanding and i havent been able to get ANYTHING done today that i wanted to get done!

grrrr its ok for men they just throw a few bits in their bloody suitase dont they, they dont have to deal with everything else!

I don't think you need to pack for the kids
let mil do that
and leave them loads of cash to buy food with
delegate to your dh and forget the lawn
oh, and have a nice holiday

i dont want to leave my parents with loads to do! i am grateful enough that they are babysitting!

and thank you for wishing me a nice holiday, hopefully it will be, its my first proper one since having kids!x

Where are you going?

to sicily.

Delegate.

Dp does the lawn, bathrooms and kitchen.

Dcs get the basics for themselves ready.

Tesco/Asda deliver groceries.

You sort your own stuff. As long as you have passports, tickets and cash, anything you forget can be bought at the airport or at destination.

Stop worrying.

Make some lists.

I find it incredibly stressfull to pack.
dh does no packing whatsoever, he is a disaster. I do get him to choose his clothes though.

It is very hard to do AND look after the children. I don't usually attempt it unless dd can entertain herself in the packing room.

When dd is around I just go over - in my head - what needs to go in, and I make lists.
I only pack once dd is sleeping or away. It is "quick/easy" when you've already been thinking about what needs to go where.
I have the cases out and start packing a week before we leave.

Picture which cases you're taking, (how many) and whose clothes will go in each one.
Then when the children are sleeping or away get their clothes in. I only put clothes combinations that match/can go with one another iyswim.
I do the clothes first, then shoes, then toiletries.

I also bear in mind what we want/need in the hand luggage and get these out too.

Get dh to do the lawn and clean up a bit, if he doesn't don't let it stress you out, it's not that important. Maybe your dad wants to mow the lawn??

Take a basic first aid kit with you.

I can appreciate that I only have one dd so it is more manageable. you'll be able to get loads done when the children are away.

good luck and ahve a nice holiday, I never look forward to it until I'm on the way to the airport. (while dh blissfully unaware counts down the hours...)

have you got a spare room or space the kids can't attack that you can start to assemble clothes as they are ready, get sponge bags ready (stick new toothbrush/paste/deoderant/showergel etc in so you don't have to wait for your half used ones to take with you - alternatively start using the new ones and take the old ones with you if they have enough in.

also make lists on paper, make some big lists for others as well, make sure there is a place they are all up so everybody can see how long the lists are and what jobs need doing - and therefore how much you need to do.

Cut back on things that aren't so important - so grab a couple of takeaways or easy meals so you don't spend time cooking when you could be doing other stuff that you would like to do before you go.

good luck, hope everyone falls in line and have a great holiday...

some great tips there, thank you! i managed to get quite a lot done today, just got some last bits of cleaning to do tomorrow and saturday, get some basics in for my parents and pack! i even managed to mow my lawn today, hooray :o