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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

being a full time working mum: any tips?

65 replies

wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:12

I started working full time in Aug last year and to say its taken a bit of time to settle in to a routine is an understatement. It really doesn't help that my husband works offshore and dips in and out of family life (not his fault I know). Does anyone have any tips :)

OP posts:
BillywilliamV · 07/01/2019 21:15

Get a cleaner, and no screens before school.

Oldermummy2019 · 07/01/2019 21:16

Tips for what exactly? We need more information, how many kids, how old, nanny, nursery,family support?

I have always worked full time, I have a cleaner and nursery. Older kids use after school facilities.

lavenderbluedilly · 07/01/2019 21:18

Do the cleaning as you go along rather than leaving a massive amount of housework at the weekend. Eg I clean the bathroom immediately after my shower on a Sat morning, or clean the kitchen when I’m cooking. I don’t iron, don’t even own an iron!

Notcontent · 07/01/2019 21:19

Get a cleaner, plan your meals and always cook more portions that you can freeze for later (as well as having lots of healthy but quick and easy options that you know your kids will eat). Do shopping online.

formerbabe · 07/01/2019 21:20

I used to go to bed really early...like 9pm. Friday night, I'd put my ds to bed and do all the housework.

Also, do your food shopping online.

Pay a cleaner if you can afford one.

Give up ironing if you already do it.

Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:21

Hi I have 3 kids 15, 10 and 7. 15 year old goes to her dads sporadically. I guess its more tips for finding routines that work around working. Any jewels of wisdom. Family support is non existent :(

OP posts:
Macaroni46 · 07/01/2019 21:21

When they are school age buy double the amount of uniform so you're rushing around having to wash it all the time.
Only change shirts/skirts/trousers when needed rather than daily to save on washing too.

BiddyPop · 07/01/2019 21:21

Placemarking.

But yes, knowing how many and how old DCs would help (school run or still babies ages - not exact needed).

Cheerbear23 · 07/01/2019 21:21

Get a cleaner, have enough school uniform to last the week, do all your washing, drying & ironing at the weekend, slow cookers are a god send!

Macaroni46 · 07/01/2019 21:22

NOT rushing around washing that should say

Want2bSupermum · 07/01/2019 21:22

Routine and stick to it.

If your OH is away you need a schedule that works for you that he follows when you come home. The schedule shouldn't change but the person doing the work for the schedule can. Example, dinner is at 6pm on school nights but when OH is around it's them who gets it on the table not you.

For routines I always start with feeding times and build up from that. I make meals in batches and reheat. Chest freezer is fab and I highly recommend getting a dryer for your laundry if you have more than 1DC.

Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:22

Hi. I've been thinking about a cleaner. Ironing is a job I detest and do the bare minimal. I'm starting to use the online shopping, did my first click and collect today

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 07/01/2019 21:23

Military-like morning routine - the same routine every school/nursery day so no room for argument. Ours since age 4 & 2y, now 8 & 6years:

  • me up, showered, dressed before kids are up*
  • kids out of bed as per gro clock time
  • lol
  • teeth
  • uniform
  • breakfast (same routine so no tantrums over cereals)
  • clean face
  • brush hair
  • play/read if there is time
  • no tv/screens
*now they are older this is less rigid - I can get dressed while they do but was impossible when they were younger

Bags and clothes ready the night before.

Weekends are the complete opposite:

  • whichever cereal
  • pjs till noon
  • watch tv, play etc

This way they get know where the stand and it is not all regimented.

Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:24

Im seriously considering the batch cooking and buying a chest freeer

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 07/01/2019 21:25

Ages posted as I wast writing my post so totally missed it so half of it's not relevant but the gist of it is

Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:26

how long does your morning routine take?

OP posts:
mumto2teenagers · 07/01/2019 21:27

Get everything ready for the next day before going to bed. Your clothes, school uniforms, lunches, etc. I try and do this as soon as I get in from work otherwise if I leave it too late feel too tired.

Notcontent · 07/01/2019 21:27

And I agree about no screens in the morning! When you work, the children have to be organised as well and use time productively.

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 07/01/2019 21:27

I feel 100% guilty 100% of the time... if I’m at work, I feel like I’m not doing what the kids need... if I’m with the kids. I worry about work. Hopefully that’s normal Hmm

speakfriendandenter · 07/01/2019 21:29

Each of my DC has one of those Really Useful multicoloured drawers. At the weekend I iron all the uniform & a prep each days clothes with underwear & socks/tights too. All bags packed the night before. Saves loads of time in the morning.

noworklifebalance · 07/01/2019 21:29

how long does your morning routine take?

Was this to me?
If so, kids ready in 30min but usually have 40-50min.
I get up 45min before them but do house work e.g put laundry to dry, cut fruit for them for the school run home etc

whiteroseredrose · 07/01/2019 21:29

Remember your job is just a job. If you were hit by a bus, however senior you are, the organisation would continue.

I missed my DS's first birthday because I had to go on a training course - for a product that we didn't even launch in the end. My boss went to his DC's special assemblies and plays and nobody batted an eyelid.

Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:31

Yeah the guilt does bother me. I think what else bothers me is using my weekends to catch up on stuff in the house when I want to spend it with the kids but knowing if I leave stuff it'll be a shitstorm on Monday morning

OP posts:
Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:33

noworklifebalance yeah it was you I was asking. Sorry Im a mumsnet newbie. You're super quick in the mornings, I struggle getting everyone ready in 2 hours :(

OP posts:
Original poster
wedding2009 · 07/01/2019 21:36

whiteroseredrose, thats awful

OP posts:
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