Feel like I'm slacking and can't stand it

[meplusthreex]

I'm a single mum to three children aged 4, 1 and 3 months. Each day I can't shake the feeling that I'm slacking as a parent. I spend most of my time cleaning and tidying up our three bed house and that doesn't leave me much time to do anything else. I rarely have time one on one with my 4 year old, and when I do it isn't for long. My sweet 1 year old is amazing but very demanding and doesn't want to ever be away from me even when I'm making dinner she'll rarely happily play on her own. I'm trying to organise my house and rid of what we don't need but feel awful that I'm throwing things away. I take my kids out as often as I can to do fun things but I can't shake this feeling and it's eating me alive. Any advice please? Any tips for staying positive and suggestions for fun, indoor and outdoor activities with 3 under 4 please? Thank you

I would say .. you might need to drop your standards a little ,don't change the bedding as often ( assuming you change it ofter) Dust and hoover the house less though with tiny ones I would clean lounge floor daily .

let them "help "you with the cooking or let them play with pots and pans on the kitchen floor.

put nursery rhymes on while cleaning and sing along so you are interacting but able to get some stuff done.

Libraries are good for all ages, do you have a childrens centre near by..out the house less mess.

Thank you Starlight2345, your comment has really helped open my mind up a bit and stop worrying about the little things like a spotless house. Thank you :)

What’s your typical day like?
If your children are loved and cuddled, fed decent food, clean and have enough stimulation then you’re a fab parent.
I agree with a pp and don’t worry about a spotless house. Your children are so young and it’s difficult as it is without getting stressed about how spotless your house is.

If you are a slacker, I am an unfit mother! Give her a cloth or duster to help out and let her play with a low cupboard full of pots and tupperware. Relax about housework. Wipe round surfaces with baby wipes when you happen to be in a room. Cuddle up for family movie time with popcorn. It's cold outside!