making life easier tips needed!

[fishmother]

DP and I have a 6 mo DD and I'm due to return to work in June. Currently we both work at either ends of the south, so we live in-between and each have a 2 hour commute.

The plan is for us to move to within 30-45 mins commute of my work, close to my parents and for DP to spend 4 days a week living down where he works and keep looking for a job nearer where we are moving.

So, that leaves me doing the childcare and a FT job [though on flexi hours] for most of the week.

What tips does anyone have to make my life as easier as possible!?

I guess the main thing is to ensure that you choose the right kind of childcare that fits with your working hours. A CM tends to be more flexible than nurseries. You need to consider whether it makes more sense to have childcare based near where you live (which might be handy as your parents could sometimes perhaps step in to do a pick up if necessary) or near your work which would mean fewer hours there. If you are financially comfortable then a nanny is great because they are solely "yours" and will do whatever you ask them to in relation to routines etc. In terms of your DP, can you set up skype so that he can see his DD most evenings?

can you afford a cleaner/house keeper? If your DH and you are working FT the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning and cooking - and that seems to be what leads to arguments with stressed out parents. If you can focus on being a mum and when your husband is around he can focus on being a great father and husband and you can leave the crappy jobs to a stranger that you pay (and to Marks and Spencers cook range), it will definitely help smooth the family dynamic.
Also suggest trying to give your DH an hour or so with your DD on his own when he is around so he doesn't feel like he's missing out. you could go to te gym or something. That break will help keep you sane.