To be massively struggling?

[sameday2021]

DH out at work 12 hours per day
Homeschooling 2 primary age kids
Trying to work, keep on top of house, not fall into the trap of eating convenience foods...
Kids are too young to go for long walks and moan most of the time even if snacks and scavenger hunts included.

Literally feel like I'm in prison.
Yes, I'm home safe.
But I can't go anywhere, I can't do an online course, or watch a film, or read a book.
All I see is mess, squabbling kids etc

What are you all doing to keep sane? I need some serious help putting a strategy in place.

I thought about power walking 5k every night once DH home?

Perhaps take an afternoon bath while the kids watch a film.

Total envy at the older ladies I saw out walking with each other earlier :(

I'm sorry, it's all so bloody rubbish at the moment, isn't it?

If I were you I'd definitely start going for a walk or start the C25k in the evenings. And to get the kids out, even something like Pokémon Go might help encourage them a bit?

Me too. Trying to work ft and have 2 primary dc at home. One is not easy in any way whatsoever. I am just being a shouting mess. DP went out at 8 this morning won't be back until 9 because it is so busy at work (not a kw). He text at half 3 saying he is working tomorrow! Brilliant. I can't really go out at the minute as the ground is so icy and I have mobility issues so don't want to fall. I feel like I am drowning.

YANBU. It’s a fat pile of shit. I sobbed at my husband today. We’re trying to juggle our 23 month old plus both working full time and I’m 6 months pregnant. The stress is killing me. Can’t even have my fucking cleaners in.

I’m a lone parent to 4 (all under 10) we don’t even go out for exercise as they never want to go, so it’s pointless. Can’t be left alone either so I am definitely starting to feel trapped.

Same here, attempting to wfh and home school two primary aged dc with a dh working outside of the house 12 hours a day and most weekends. It’s utter shit. Let’s !

@Thurlow

I'm sorry, it's all so bloody rubbish at the moment, isn't it?

If I were you I'd definitely start going for a walk or start the C25k in the evenings. And to get the kids out, even something like Pokémon Go might help encourage them a bit?

They argue over the phone with Pokemon Go! I need 2 phones! I've deleted the app for now.

Maybe c25k in the evenings would be good.

Exactly the same as you, OP. We live in the absolute middle of nowhere too, so have to drive 10 minutes in order to walk safely (absolutely no pavements or lighting for miles). My head feels like it’s going to burst with stress and tiredness. X

I did C25k in the first lockdown. Highly recommend it! I’m not 6 months pregnant and getting off the sofa is a bit of a struggle 😂

I’ve started going out for a run once a week. I am not a running fan at all but it is a great escape from the house!

Make sure your DH pulls his weight in the evenings. He must appreciate that he's definitely having an easier time at the moment!

Do you have any friends or family who "virtual babysit" for half an hour? In lockdown 1 I got the grandparents to listen to DC reading over zoom. This time I'm asking them to try and support half an hour of home schooling (twice a week max). It buys me a slot to crash through the most urgent/sensitive bits of work at least.

C25k in the evenings sounds good. But even wrapping up very warm and sitting in the garden with a hot drink alone after bedtime is good for re-setting your brain.

My friend has farmed out some of the home ed so that she gets a few free hours a week. It's not a lot but it's saved her sanity she says.

So, her dad does Maths with the DC twice a week for an hour each time. Her mother (separated) does Art one afternoon a week, and a "mum friend" does a group session once a week for her DC and friends DC, and the friend does the same for her.

Any learning is good. Don't stress that it isn't strictly curriculum based. Talking about pet ownership, stars, fashion, health, food. All of these are educational.

Would that work for you?

I’m lucky in that I only work part time but I do have 4 kids, 8,7, and 10 months, luckily the toddler is still at the childminders Monday - Wednesday 9-3. My oh is out of the house long hours most days!
My day looks something like this:
7/7.30 all up
8 breakfast
8-9 I work while they all ‘play’ - actually has worked ok this week!
9-10 an hour of home schooling
10-11 I do another hour of work while kids play
11-12 zoom home schooling session which I have to help with and keep the baby (and toddler if she’s here) quiet!
12 - 1.30 lunch, tidy kitchen, quick hoover/tidy wherever needs be
1.30 - 3 work while baby’s in bed, older two either play or watch tv or finish off any school work they need to do
3-4 we all go outside for an hour whatever the weather!!!
4-5 dinner and I tidy playroom/living room etc if they’re a mess
5-6 I work
6 bath time for everyone
6.30 baby in bed
7 toddler in bed and then I catch up on any work that needs sorting before the morning.

I have to have routine otherwise it goes to shit!!! I also am lucky that my work allows me to work in the windows of time I have available in the day!

Sorry my kids are 8,7,2 and 10 months - missed out the two year old!!

Get them one of these, if you can afford it. One kid gets the phone, the other gets the Pokémon Catcher. Even if it's half an hour outside, you'll all feel better for it.

Tough times OP, I hope you're ok.

www.argos.co.uk/product/8361387

I have felt the same today. Plus I'm a TA working from home (medical condition) and it's making me anxious because I'm worried I'm not doing enough yet I feel pulled in all directions helping my two in years 5 and 2 and giving feedback to my year 4 class. Also, I'm sick of looking at the same walls and the mess everywhere. Oh and DH is working nights now so we will need to be fairly quiet tomorrow. Fucking balls to all of it.

OP, a teacher in another thread said to just focus on reading. I'd throw in very, very basic maths and painting/drawing. Screw anything else!

If you can bribe, nag, force, the kids out the door for a walk, do it, for your sanity!
Batch cook meals, make sandwiches, fruit and veg snacks, and simple pastas. Don't bother cleaning everyday.

Oh, I wouldn't do more than 1-2 hours of learning a day (if they can manage that!) Less if lower primary.

@Sexnotgender

YANBU. It’s a fat pile of shit. I sobbed at my husband today. We’re trying to juggle our 23 month old plus both working full time and I’m 6 months pregnant. The stress is killing me. Can’t even have my fucking cleaners in.

Was feeling bad for you til your last sentence

Totally agree @LST hit the nail on the head with shouty mess and my parents even had the kids for me 3 days this week so I have no reasons to complain. I just feel reserves empty at the moment. I am sure you're doing better than it feels. I'm sure we all are. I'm indulging in prosecco tonight to try and ease the pain.

@QuantumJump

Make sure your DH pulls his weight in the evenings. He must appreciate that he's definitely having an easier time at the moment!

He doesn't! He says he'd love to be at home. Ha haha! Doesn't get it when I say I feel imprisoned!

Was feeling bad for you til your last sentence

Why? Are we not allowed cleaners on mumsnet? I have a gardener too so that’ll really upset you😂

@DontBeShelfish

Get them one of these, if you can afford it. One kid gets the phone, the other gets the Pokémon Catcher. Even if it's half an hour outside, you'll all feel better for it.

Tough times OP, I hope you're ok.

www.argos.co.uk/product/8361387

Are these good? Eldest is asking for one, but i can't just get one, would have to get one each..everything ends in arguments. Thanks for the suggestions, worth a shot!

Firstly, don't fret about junk food or having a clean house. We can only do so much. It will make a big difference if you don't stress about this.

Secondly speak to your employer - they should be understanding and you won't be the first person to admit you're struggling.

Primary aged children really should be able to cope with long walks. Could you take their bikes or scooters?