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!

Well, you'd tell them in advance, not just walk out!

Thank you elsebethy
This thread is really helping me survive today. And ds will not nap and is at the boob all the time so I'm actually getting a chance to mn. Dd has had her fill of TV for today now though and is going a bit crazy.

Great suggestions on this thread. Disposable oven trays is genius. I have always just used those for Xmas day before. I might start using paper plates on days I work too. I have two dcs , one 10 and one 8, but eldest has sen and is hard work. I am also lp and struggle to keep on top of everything.
Cooked chicken is a great tea with frozen mash, micro veg and instant gravy. Also pasta with jar sauce and cheese. I gave up beating myself up over using convenience food some time ago. As long as they eat and drink that is the main thing.
The other thing I used to do when dd was still napping and ds wasn't was to set up say his train track or the happy land just before dd went down so he could play with it while I tidied up (sat on sofa with tea).
The children's centre was great, I used to love going there as my house didn't get so messy and there were often other adults to talk to.
Could you change doctor surgerys? Hope things feel better soon.

Dd has had her fill of TV for today now though and is going a bit crazy.

Have you been out for a walk? There's not long before it gets dark. Would it be helpful to plan some activities?

harsh maybe.
but he gets an hour (or more counting lunchbreak and commute) without the constant attention that smal dc need.

agree with going outside for a bit. helps mood all around.

Just do whatever gets you through. Pick your battles; if washing up and/or cleaning makes things feel worse for you right now, do what you can to ease the burden... disposable cokware and tableware might be the magic bullet for you. Likewise don't stress about the TV, have you got any semi educational DVDs that you can have handy to stick on if you need a break from Mummy-duty? and and un-Mumsnetty hugs

Paper plates?! I wish Id thought of that back when my DCs were young, and on holiday from school. You've enough to do anyway so make things easy on yourself

Nothing wrong at all with using paper plates, frozen meals or any other shortcuts. Ironically my DH always seems to be on a business trip when DS has time off school too. Even though he's quite a bit older at 9 years old I still can find it a bit stressful.
What I find really helps is getting organized and then trying to stay on top of things. On the days I don't really have time to clean I use disposable cleaning wipes. I change the settings on our vacuum cleaner and vacuum all various types of flooring throughout the house- carpets, tiles, and wooden floors. Once DS has finished a project or game I put it away right away. I stick dirty clothes in the washing machine throughout the day then turn it on in the evening after DS has had his shower. Once it's done if it's too late to run the dryer I'll either dry it or hang it in the morning. Each family member has their own laundry basket and I find it much easy to put each person's clean pile in their own basket then put it away when I have time- or simply pull out the clean clothes to wear again.
On busy days I use paper plates and for things like toast or frozen waffles we'll use a piece of kitchen towel. I always line pans with foil unless I'm using a disposable tin pan.
If DH is traveling and DS doesn't have school I aim to do something outside of the house each day. We don't do anything to thrilling but we might take the dogs for a long walk and look for errant golf balls, go to the bookstore, go to the pet store to see all the new puppies....as long as we get out the house!

How are you OP? Did you get through the day ?

Thank you all so much.

I did get through the day smile. just about. We've been out all day today, which feels like a real achievement.

Your support has been so helpful. I've made a plan for labour saving for the rest of the week, thanks to the suggestions on this thread. And we have activities planned so I'm feeling a bit more capable of making it through the week.

This thread has made a real difference to me in so many ways.

I'm so glad you came back to update.

Do what you need to get through the day & be kind to yourself!

Today I've struggled with just 1! Dd is currently eating fish fingers mash and bean while toy story is on
whiLe I sit with a massive bottle lucozade on mn. I will also be ordering a Chinese for dh and me!