ATTENTION PLEASE...NOW!

[bananalover]

I have never been able to understand how I can possibly split myself into 5 different parts in order to keep whole family happy.
How do I share myself equally between 3 children, who all seem to want my attention at the same time, like NOW!
DS1 wants me to watch him play FIFA 10. DD wants me to do a jigsaw with her. DS2 wants me to read him a story! All at same time.
And how do i manage to split myself again in order to give time to DH, yet still have some time left over for myself?
Starting to feel like Michael Keaton in that film Multiplicity.
Any advice on how to keep everyone happy without feeling guilty that I might be neglecting another family member, IYSWIM.

Sorry I find it hard enough to entertain DD, clean the house and still have some energy for when DP and I have time alone!
Maybe try introducing a timetable where all 3 of your kids get special time with just you to do whatever they choose, one at a time? And also try setting aside one night a week where you and DH do something together?
Hope this helps.

well i have 5....2 teenagers,2 football mad schoolboys,and a toddler.....and its just me. and its impossible!!

totally overwhelmed here....homework all at different levels,just muddle through

i walk with dd2 for an hour a week for her duke of edinburgh award thingy

i have time on school runs for ds2 if ds1 is in the buggy

dd1 is finished in school for the summer now...gcses done,so have her around alot more

stuck for ds1 really,ds3 is 2,so have alot of time with him

How old are your DC?

I have 3 and I find it a challenge. To be honest some weeks one gets more attention than the others. It varies.

My boys play football after school one afternoon after school so DD and I go to a cafe and have a cake and chat. DT's go to bed before her so I try and spend time with her then.

As my boys are twins they tend to do everything together so I always try and have one to one time on the sofa and a cuddle. Since they've started school they've been invited on seperate playdates and parties so I try and do something nice with the one left behind.

I've also learnt to ignore some of their demands and they play really well together giving me a well deserved breather.

As for DH, it's impossible. I want to get in the habit of booking a monthly babysitter. By the time the kids are in bed I'm exhausted and just want to slump on the sofa watching crap TV and Mumsnetting!