I think I am SAHMing wrong

[Camrette]

I thought I’d have so much free time. Instead I’m in a endless cycle of chores and the house is still a mess. The actual cleaning (dusting/hoovering etc) part is the same as it always was and I don’t mind that, same with laundry. But there is now so much extra picking up and sweeping up and tidying up and washing up and wiping up that there never was when I was at work.
I was a sahm once before and I swear it wasn’t this much of a grind (admittedly my house was about 1/5 the size and I had fewer children and there were toddler groups and we were allowed to go to people’s houses...). I have quite fond memories of that time but now I just feel like I’m failing at life!

This is going back about 25 years. An episode of Coronation Street and Sally had just had one of her babies and she commented that she couldn’t understand how she used to manage to get everything done when she worked full time. My mum laughed and agreed. Your House was empty most of the week and would be tidier, now there are more people and more mess. Plus you’re constantly making food and entertaining kids.

It won't help with the teenagers but I used to get out a lot with a toddler/two toddlers, or they'd trash the place. My regimented plan, a few days a week, although not every day -

School drop off 9am
Housework and possibly toddler tv till 10 or 1030
Out for toddler activity, often with a friend and their toddler. Till 1.00
Lunch till 1.45/2 approx
Afternoon sleep toddler till 3.15
School collect. 345.
Dinner, Bath and bed!

I can so relate! But then, my main cleaning method was always to invite people round to force us to tidy, and now it's been a year since we had visitors.

Not sure we will ever be able to have anyone round again, at this rate

This will make you laugh, it’s DP’s day off today and I’ve just cleaned the bedrooms and walked into the living room to find him lying on the sofa watching homes under the hammer 😂

I need to be more dad.

Also went back to ft work cos it was so shit

Being at home that is! At least I get job satisfaction now...