How do you find the time to do stuff around the house and look after small kids at the same time

[TVsh]

We are really struggling with this, even though we are currently off work. My H had to do some work today on his lap top and I just feel like I'm constantly cleaning up and cleaning stuff out and it never ends !

I literally haven't sat down all day and had a massive migraine, while my kids just kind of lingered around and didn't have enough attention paid to them ( 3 years and 9 months old ). I just don't know how people manage to stay on top of stuff and pay attention to their kids all the time.

Next week we get back to the usual routine of the older one being at nursery. So I can get some stuff done then.. however, the younger one is unstoppable at the moment and I cannot take my eyes on him for even a minute. I have a cleaner once a week, which does help, but I probably need to do around 4 loads of washing every week and the day to day cleaning is a lot.

I'm constantly tidying and putting things away and I sweep the entire floor every day and usually wash the floors two to three times a week as baby is crawling everywhere too. It never ends ! And the toys !! Baby constantly throws toys around etc.

Any advice on making it feel less overwhelming? I'm currently on Mat leave and have no idea how I will manage when I go back.

I'm trying to get a baby sitter tomorrow so I can put away laundry in peace, as it's impossible to do when I'm looking after the children alone.

My H has been home and helping a bit, but we are both still struggling a lot, even together..

No help but here in solidarity (& for tips!).

On mat leave with a 7 month old & it's a good day if I manage to load & unload the dishwasher. Washing machine is on most days (we use reusable nappies so an extra couple of loads a week for those), piles of clean laundry I can't find time to put away plus a dog who needs two walks a day... its a lot!

I'm hoping it'll get a little easier to grab a few minutes here and there once DS can reliably sit by himself - he's furious if put on his tummy at the moment, wants to sit but has a tendency to topple over so I have to sit with him. He only catnaps at home, his longest naps tend to be in the pram so I'm generally out walking the dog while getting him to nap.

A travel cot as a play pen for the baby ?

Honestly we have been trying to figure this out for years and am not sure there is a perfect answer. We have 3 - 7, 5 and 1 and it's been 7 years of juggling / lowering priorities and expectations and doing our best to stay afloat.

We just about keep on top of everything between work, the day to day cleaning and kids clubs but it often feels like we are never done (especially in the kitchen) and constantly re doing the same areas so making no real progress. We find it hardest to stay on top of the deep cleans in the bathrooms and all of the laundry.

We have outsourced as much as we can (cleaner / bin cleaner / window cleaner / grass cutter ) but realistically we only stay afloat by doing late nights once the kids are in bed and through using grandparents who help cover and let us catch up. Desperately hoping it gets easier.

It gets easier, you’re probably at peak problem at the moment. Washing, put on with a timer before you go to bed and peg it out whilst the children have breakfast with Dad (and you eat toast on the run?!).

I used to have a play pen in the main living room with a Tv on in the background with CBeebies or whatever and then I just used to do stuff in 10 min bursts. That or waiting for naps, then trying to do it all then. Then as they get older doing things like loading the washing machine up last thing at night and putting it on first thing, ready to be unloaded at snack time or whatever when the dc are busy. Cleaning the bathroom around them whilst they’re in the bath…. it’s hard though!

I have started doing that the last few days and I also have been putting him in his Walker. He loves it and zips around everywhere, however I still need to be carful because he manages to find stuff to pull down all the time somehow. He also shouldn't be in the Walker for too long I think.. he's been in it for way too long recently..