Generally feel a bit of a failure - in a sort of low key way

[handlemecarefully]

I feel I'm failing....Generally like to parade a faux bravado on mumsnet that nothing really bothers me - but it does

*I see other mums who are better turned out / better groomed than me (don't seem to find time even to apply fecking body lotion in the morning)

*I'm often late for Pre School even though it doesn't start until half past flaming nine

*The house is broadly clean but pretty untidy and I often can't find swimming goggles, tennis rackets etc when taking either dd or ds to a class

• I have a To Do list with some really important items where I've made absolutely no progress (like filling in my holiday insurance claim - holiday cancelled on 11th May)

• Have lost touch with some friends because I seem unable to keep up and respond to all my emails in a timely way

• I'm late with each and every deadline or commitment I make (not talking work since I am a SAHM)

*the lo's watch 3 hours of tv a day quite frequently

• I haven't a clue what is going on in the world (don't seem to find time to watch / read the news)

Where does the time go? Everybody seems better organised and more productive than me and it's frustrating the hell out of me and making me feel crap.

I don't understand at all - I don't spend ages on mumsnet (well perhaps up to 45 mins per day, but mostly after 20.00 during my 'unwind' time - go on - run a check on my posts today - it isn't many), I don't idly fritter away the day reading magazines, newspapers or tv viewing. I seem to be constantly on the go

Where am I going wrong?

HMC I hope you're feeling better today. There is loads of good advice on here.

I have a weekly to do lists and a long to do list. I try and get the weekly one down to 7 items - one a day and really try and get that one thing done.

We have a big calendar in the kitchen and have painted a blackboard underneath it to add reminders eg what needs to go to school that day/ shopping needed etc. Which means it's not all in MY head and dp can also sort stuff out. I have an evening at the end of the month where I look at the month ahead and make a note of birthdays etc and go and blitz presents and cards in one trip, also make plans to see people in the month ahead.

I try and ring friends as much as I can rather than email and often do this early evening as a wind down activity (rather than pouring that first glass of wine....)

I do think you need to look at your morning routine - if your dd is starting school in Sept you will need to be on time, to minimise the stress on you and her.

I really agree with Moondog - think about what is really important to you (rather than all those things you know are important to your kids'wellbeing) and focus some of your effort on achieving that. For my sanity I need to feel that I know what's going on in the world (it's also important to my job that I am up to date) and also have adult time with friends at least one night a week and with dp.