Struggling with the juggling act

[Arscal]

I have 3 DC under the age of 3 (DD 3 in a couple of months and DTs 15 months) and have returned to work, 3 days a week. I'm really finding it tough going but am so stuck as to what to do as I find being at home with DC equally tough, just in a different way. I feel like I'm not achieving anything and am just treading water (sometimes sinking) and only managing the absolute bare minimum at work and at home.

Does everyone find it this difficult? Will it get any easier?

I'm right in that boat with you, paddling like crazy. I have 2 DS's aged 1 and 4(about to start school). I work full time. I feel like I'm a crap mum, feel like I'm the doddery old git that i used to roll my eyes at, pre kids, at work. I have a relatively senior position, so constantly feel out of my depth now lack of sleep, age and kids taken their toll.

I feel llke I'm jack of all trades trying to balance kids, the house, shopping, work etc and not doing any as well as i'd like. i wouldn't want to be a sahm all the time cos the kids would drive me mad!

Im hoping it will get easier when the kids are older, especially when the youngest can talk and play with the eldest properly.. I wish i had a crystal ball to see how the kids will turn out if i stayed at work or gave it all up. I feel like I'm on a treadmill which is going a bit too fast and don't know how to slow it down. I think most mums with young kids and working probably feel the same at some...or most points!

Just wanted to say it does get a lot easier when they get older! I juggled 4 kids under 6 with working 3 days a week and like you I felt I wasn't doing anything properly just treading water and trying to stay afloat. It is still hard and the house is still a tip, but I do feel like I am a bit more organised and coping better.

Bumblebee78 yes, yes, that's exactly how I feel. I managed well with 1 but now with 3 its all quite overwhelming.

Babyroobs that's good to hear. How old are your DC now?

I've just had to let work down again because one

Oops!

Because one of the children are ill. I feel awful about it and feel like they're going to get very fed up with me having to have time off because of the children. I always have great intentions of catching up at home of an evening but there is never any time.

My children are now between the ages of 14 and eight, since they have all been at school things have been easier, as I get a bit of breathing space to do housework and get organised. I'm even thinking of maybe upping my hours to 4 days a week, I don't really want to but we could do with the extra money .

Get a live-in aupair, if you can. You need another pair of hands.

Blueshoes That is a good idea but I'm not sure we could afford it as well as nursery fees. I've looked into it though and would definitely consider an Au pair when the children are in pre-school and school.