To use disposable plates etc during half term?

[TychosNose]

I'm having a hard time coping at the mo. 8 month old sleeps terribly and 4 year old struggling with starting school. I'm suffering with pnd.

So, much as I care about the environment, wibu to use paper plates and cups and plastic cutlery so there's less washing up whilst I'm on my own with the kids for the week?

I've already decided to do no clothes washing all week and I'm not hoovering, just wiping the floors with floor wipes (wood throughout).

Actually really frightened about next week. Shit, sorry, this has become an essay. Didn't realise how emotional I felt about all this!

I came on to say yabu but in a good way and decadant :o
but a ctually you are struggling :( why are you on your own? Can hou meet up with other parents with little ones? Have plenty of carpet picnics on a sheet you can shake outside?
I have no issues with minimal housework for the week as long as at thr end of that it will be easier - will your oh return and pick some stuff up?

Do what you need to get through. Don't worry about what others think is acceptable. You're doing you're best, thinking about your DC and that's all that matters.

But what will actually improve nwxt week?

Think that sounds very sensible, suggest you get paper tablecloths as well (or newspaper) under them when eating so you can just chuck out. Actually might start doing that myself - why are toddlers so MESSY :-).

Guilt is a wasted emotion, especially when it comes to housework. Try to enjoy the time with the kids and have a bubble bath/wine when they go to sleep. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies.

Yes I am sad and worried about coping with both of the kids. During term time I use nap time to tidy up, do washing etc. but during half term I'm going to need to use that time to set 4yo up with activities otherwise she'll just want the TV all the time. 8mo ds is really grizzly so it's difficult to do anything but try to soothe him when he's awake.

Paper table cloths are now on my list. Good. Feeling better already.

YANBU of course and galore.

Sorry you're struggling.
I hope you have good support for your PND.
Paper plates sound like a good plan.
Also, my "survival" tips for reducing workload include but a not limited to:
Going outside (park with a ball) at least once a day
Eat out whenever possible (if practical/ beneficial)
Structure one activity for each day which can include a movie with popcorn.
Take any help offered
Wipe over bathroom with about -to -be -washed towel during kids' bath-time.
Apply similar cleaning rule to any room in the house.
Remember to take Ads.

Let the 4 year old watch TV all the time if it gets you through the week. I wouldn't worry about that.

I'm really sorry to hear you are struggling. And a few cut corners is fine if it helps you cope. But surely the work piling up around you is only going to.mean it's impossible to catch up on in your fragile state and make you feel worse?

Is there a friend of families member who can help? Can you go back to the drs and get your medication increased or altered

...and do one lot of washing up once a day. Hoover every other day if that, don't bother wiping all floors. Put newspaper or something under messy eaters.

get out to park, get child climbing and running so it wears itself out and sleeps better. And TV in holidays never really hurt anyone.

but I second - not sure why you are on your own, but you need help and help with that PND.

Your 4 year old probably needs the down time so get some DVDs and don't stress about the telly. I'd put a DVD on for her when baby naps each day then you still have your time to do stuff. But honestly, it'll all clean up in one go at the end of the week if needed. You might even find your 4 yo will also nap.

Do whatever you need to, to make your life easier. When I was struggling with my two, I ended up spending a fortune on cafes! Was so much easier than cooking/clearing up! On my stressed/busy/tired days I often buy a ready cooked chicken from the supermarket.....gives them one decent hot meal and leaves leftovers for sandwiches.

Nothing wrong with children watching tv all day if that is what is required. You don't have to be making organic origami shapes all day to prove yourself as a Mum. Dvd, snacks and a snuggle on the sofa will do you all the world of good.

I wouldn't get paper plates, but would get disposable cooking things.

For example get a throw away roasting dish x 5

Pasta bake Monday, Tuesday lasagna, Wednesday roast meat and roast potato with microwave veg. Thursday casserole Friday fish fingers with wedges.

All can be done in the oven and only 3 plates to wash.

Go for it! Mine are 12 and 11 and have a two week half term! Paper plates and cups all the way!

Sorry to hear you're struggling OP

But with pots/pans/baking trays etc to wash up, would a few plates and cups really make a difference?

I tend to wash up as I go along and then leave the rest in the sink until the next morning, if I feel really tired/stressed.

You can get wooden cutlery rather than plastic to make it a bit more environmentally friendly

Don't stress out trying to be supermum. You don't have to do art/baking/interpretive dance with the older one. If she's just started school, she'll be tired and will appreciate some downtime. TV/DVDs are fine. Get it some new episodes of Peppa Pig or whatever she likes & try to relax a bit.

My 2 kids are older now but I have a similar age gap and can vividly remember feeling the same fear that when DD was home from school my routine with baby DS would go out of the window and my house of cards would fall. It will pass, you will all be fine.

It's a brilliant idea! And so is lots of telly if it doesn't make your 4-year-old ratty (it does mine, sadly). I wouldn't bother wipe the floor either. Just don't wear shoes in the house. Getting out of the house once a day is always good but that can easily just be a walk to shops. Honestly just do whatever gets you through. Baked beans, pesto pasta, fishfingers for dinner!

Yanbu. I do it regularly (working LP). Mine always have disposable cups at breakfast. They have disposable plates and bowls when I know I'm going to be extra busy.

Dinner plan for the week

Mon chip shop
Tues chinese
Wed McDonalds
Thurs Indian
Fri kfc
Sat Burger King
Sun subway

Sorted :)

There really are a bunch of lovely people on here! Nary a supermum 'You should be cooking organic gourmet served on your finest Wedgwood and simultaneously doing a Hazmat clean whilst teaching your child Latin because that's what I do!'

OP if the weather permits, take those paper plates & tablecloth outside for a picnic as often as you can. Bundle it all up when done and toss in the bin.

And remember to enjoy the children. If that means sitting down to mind-numbing DVDs, so be it. Make it your half-term holiday, too!