Hints and tips to make this as stress free as possible

[IllegallyBrunette]

I start work on 5th Jan doing three 7 1/2 hour shifts a week. I am a single mum of 3 school aged children and the childcare will be being done mostly by my mum with xp picking up the slack if he values his life.

I feel hugely stressed about it all right now and am worried that everything is going to fall apart. I have made appointments to sort out benefits and things and as soon as I know excatly what money I will be getting and when I plan to set up a bank account just for my bills so that I don't get into a mess.

I have been given my shifts up until end of Jan so far and I think I am just panicking at how many times I have to be out of the house for roughly 6:20am.

I am pretty organised as far as the dc go with uniform and things, although they are going back onto packed lunches when i start so this has to be considered as do meals for them for when I am not here.

So, any tips on how to make this all run smoothly would be much appreciated.

Anyone ??

Am feeling really worried about it all today.

Do a meal plan, and work out exactly what you need to buy to provide those meals each week and write the shopping list for each week (not forgetting to try and factor in washing powder etc).

Get going now with some freezer cooking if you have space so that you have some dinners for the kids in there for when you won't be in. Some people on here swear by making a load of sandwiches and freezing them, but I honestly have no idea whether that really works.

Get a whiteboard for the kitchen so that you can write up what the meals are for the week, and reminders. Make the kids aware that it is their responsibility to write on the board if they use the last of anything. Also teach them to make their own breakfasts, and drum into them that as you won't always be there in the morning or evening, they need to take responsibility for their own stuff and leaving notes from school in place xx.

Another board with what has to go to school when so that its really clear, and somewhere to write things about parties/special events

A box by the front door where PE kit/instruments etc and bags are deposited the night before, so that the person taking them to school knows that they just have to empty the box on the way out to have everything.

When you're on earlies, put everything out ready the night before - even down to the mug and kettle - saves loads of hassle, and have a shower in the evening

If you have a slow cooker or can get one off Freecycle, it's great for lates as you can put everyones tea in it, and your's will still be nice when you get in

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Thanks both, they were both very helpful posts.

I do already do some of the things mentioned ie internet banking and shopping.

I t is the meals that I need to get organised with i think. I do have a slow coker so that will be used alot and I do need to make sure I meal plan. Can't fill the freezer up with meals just yet as it is full of xmas food, but I have just over a week between xmas and my start date so I should be able to sort something out.

Whiteboard tip and basket for kids bags etc is a fab idea and I will try and sort that out between now and then.

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Where's your mum doing the childcare - are you taking them to her or is she coming to you, and is she nearby? That is, when you have to start early do you have to take them out or will they be able to have breakfast with your mum before school?

Good luck with the new job and all the things you have to orgnaise.

I can't really help with specifics but just to say I went back to work full time on Monday - and I love it!

I only have 1 dd (11 months) but all I can say is hold you head up high, be proud of yourself and enjoy it.

I think at the moment the plan is that if I am on an early shift my mum will either come round here at around 6:16, or stay here the night before. It depends whats shifts she herself is doing, but we both want to avoid having to get the kids up at silly o clock as far as we can.

Those lists sounds great bloss, and that would really help Ds.

Thanks for all the luck. I am terrified and praying that I really like it and can pick it all up quickly without looking too daft lol.

You are entitled to be nervous but you sound like you're organised and you've thought it through and I'm sure you'll be fine.

The key is a list, of course. I get stressed when I "drop the ball" as they say, like I forget something like if the kids have to take something into school or birthdays that creep up on me. So on payday I look at the calendar and buy the presents I need for the month plus any extras like take biscuits in to school day or whatever.

Eliminate the extra stresses and you will be able to cope with the job much more.

Another tip is make sure the kids have enough school uniform - don't find out on Friday morning that there are no more clean polo tops or whatever. It's less stressful to have five of each and wash and iron at the weekend!

Good Luck.