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Your tips please!

3 replies

TinyTeachr · 28/01/2024 22:05

I have 4 DC - 7,3,3, 2 months. So many things are wonderful and I love them to bits.

BUT the workload worries me a bit... at the moment DC4 kind of just gets toted round in the sling like a parcel. I probably don't get quite enough 1:1 time with the twins because they'd mostly rather not be separate. At the moment I cope with the household stuff, but I'm on maternity leave. How on earth will I stay on top of the mountain of laundry that gets produced during school term when I'm back at work?!?!?

So please, mums of large families. What advice do you give for staying on top of everything without neglecting your kids?

(DH is NOT great at household stuff - he grew up in a really disgusting house and honestly can't understand why I mind what he sees as "a bit of mess"... this does increase the pressure on me somewhat and is not likely to improve much. It's not LTB territory though)

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TinyTeachr · 29/01/2024 13:22

Oh, while I remember: I already do things like always run the washing machine overnight everyday so things don't build up. I do meal plan when I'm working, although haven't done it since DC was born. I shop online for almost everything rather than draggingeveryone out to the supermarket. Just wondering if there are any other large family life hacks that I'm missing the could lighten the load 🤔

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Windymcwindyson · 29/01/2024 13:26

If you iron then stop.
Stay up late 1 night each week to catch up on chores.. 4 dc at home now but have 11 altogether..

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TinyTeachr · 31/01/2024 22:50

Ironing is currently fine about 4 or 5 times a year only, so I don't mind it too much. Horrified at the fact that uniform forDC might require ironing when they are older! Yikes that would be tough.

That's a really good idea about having one designated night a ask to stay up late for chores. I wouldn't do that now (DC4 only 2 months old so I need my sleep!) But I think once we're in reasonably reliable bedtime territory I'll definitely use that idea. Thanks @Windymcwindyson !

Crikey, 11. My mind boggles. You must be incredibly well organised! I do sometimes think it could be easier than Imake it. Basically if I were a dab hand at parenting in sure my boys would be better behaved and then the house would be less messy. They ripped up a reading book and ate a box of breadsticks while I was putting eldest to bed this evening. 😓