Send me coping mechanisms for the next week!

[101childrendevonsouth]

What has helped you find stressful situations less stressful?

I am 8 months pregnant, I have 2 step children coming for a week, I have a poorly 3 year old that’s whining non stop. A house full of guests coming (with pets), a very small house, 1 dog and 1 cat. DH has the organisational capacity of a banana (and doesn’t get stressed). PIL coming over for Christmas Day as well as DH’s siblings and family.

I get so stressed with mess, but it’s going to be carnage!

How do you cope?

Practical de-cluttering tips or anything to help with my mindset are welcome!

In no particular order …

• assign husband clear duties - cleaning, shepherding everyone out for an afternoon at the park/market
• delegate online shop or fetching things to the PIL/husband - surely they can follow a list?
• Arrange for a cleaner at the day 1/4/7 stage
• use disposable plates, ignore serving spoons etc etc. buy another set of bedding and leave it in the garage/car boot / shed til it needs to be addressed…
• or ask your guests to bring with them
• give yourself an hour or two with a facemask / Netflix / foot spa - whatever floats your boat

Put yourself firmly in role of house owner rather than hostess / hotelier! And good luck!

We have a busy Christmas with various family members staying/visiting for Christmas. I've already said that if anyone needs to find a quiet space in the house - bedrooms, etc for time out that's not a problem with me as I will also be doing this. In your situation I would take advantage of the fact you are pregnant and delegate. Decide now how long you can manage to contribute during the day and spell it out to everyone that you will be, for example: preparing breakfast and prepping something or similar in the mornings. You will need at least an hours rest in bed after lunch, which can be delegated to others to make. Prepare a list of meals now, make sure you have everything in then make a rota of who is to cook on what night. Guests are not here for an easy ride this Christmas - you and the health of your baby is what is important and don't be afraid to put yourself first.

Can I just say that when I was younger and pregnant I would have tried to do it all myself, but I am older, wiser and my body won't let me do it anymore. I have had to start taking longer to do things and also rest a lot more. It's not a failure to do this, it is about self-care.

You supervise by allocating tasks to everyone including DC’s. We all equally contribute to the success of Christmas Day. If your DH can’t organise Christmas, how is he going to manage being a parent?

Whose idea was this? It’s alot for you being 8 months pregnant. Sit back and let DH and whoever is visiting help out.