make a 7 day meal plan that suits the whole family (if possible)
collate a list of stores on the computer, and under each one ALL of the ingredients required to make these meals assuming you have nothing ie Butcher followed by 2kg sausages, 3 lamb shanks etc
add essential to the list (toilet paper etc)
save, and print out a copy.
On shopping day, cross off what you don't need (ie still have some left to use up)
send DH once a week (same time each week if poss) with the list and one or two of the kids.
obviously this has to be adapted to each household, but it worked for me. Now I am a little more organised, I have a notebook permanently on the kitchen bench with heading such as VEG, ALDI, COLES etc and write things down as I think of them. Then once a week I meal plan and add in the gaps, tear off the sheet and send them on their way! DH actually enjoys the time with DS as well.
I have a 3 yr old and a 19 month old and once a week i look after a (now) 13 month old. I've been doing it for 6 months now and i find I don't really find much time to myself especially to cook during the day so having meals already to heat up i.e. bulk cooked and frozen ready for the microwave heating really helps.
Getting to a supermarket regularly is a stress for everyone if kids are involved so stock up now on dry goods e.g. shampoo, soap, laundry powder, toilet paper etc especially when on sale. I bought 6 months worth of stuff before DD2 was born and it helped.
Get as much as you can delivered e.g. fruit & veg so that you don' t have to lug big bags of shopping along with 3 kids around and it's cheaper as you don't spend as much time in the supermarket.
There may be a home delivery healthy takeaway option you can get once a week to give yourself a break.
Try to get out every morning - a good run around for the older two will help them start the day and crying always seems quieter outside than inside!! Can you get to a playgroup so they can play and you get a chance to sit down (with bubba) whilst they're entertained?
3 yr olds love doing and helping so get them involved in changing nappies and with laundry - they feel so proud of themselves!
Good luck - you'll be fantastic! Definitely stock up on choccie!!
Oh and another one I thought of was outsource some of the housework if you can afford it - there are always people out there looking to make a few extra $$ by doing ironing etc so that's another option too if there is at least one less thing you have to do in your week it makes your week much more manageable.
hahaha!! ahhh nooo... unfortunately we won't be able to get people in to help with stuff - we're just on DH's income and at the moment we are stretched to the max paying both the mortgage in queensland, the rent down here and our car loan - so unfortunately - no spare money!!!! I can't even afford to put DS in daycare!!!
Up until a week ago, i had 4...5 yrs and under...within that, i have 3, 3yrs and under.
So my dear....my tips for you.
* dont go out unless you absolutely have to - i find i mentally need a day to prepare in advance if i need to take them all out i.e shops, playdate, drs etc.
*when out, buy two of everything....nothing but a PITA when you run out of bread...and have to pile them all in the car, make the big trip all for that loaf of bread.
* Keep on top of your washing - i do at least 2 loads a day, fold at night, put away the next day when they are in their cots (x 2 of them) waking up.
* in the winter, when we would have days at home, girls in their trackies all day, sock on their feet - we didnt bath them every day. Every second day we did. I wouldnt practice this in the summer,but when H was first born, we bathed every 2nd night - its not like they were runnign around the backyard, or they were getting into anything dirty. It helped the nighttime routine immensely.
*Learn to love coffee......if you dont already
*Dont bother paying for any weightloss machines, books or drinks - with 3 under 3 you wont need a exercise regime !!!
* To keep going....do something for yourself.....at least once a week (i should listen to my own advice). Eyebrow wax, walk aroudn the block...soemthing for YOU...not the kids, not DH, not the family, but YOU. I find when i do get these times i feel re-charged...and i cant wait to see the little cherubs again.
* Appreciate every day with your children.....because they are a gift to you and the best thing you will be given in your life....promise.
Cook huge meals so that you can eat leaftovers the next day or night.
Have a few emergency meals in the freezer
Give yourself a mcn day off every now and then, just so that you don't need to do that extra load of washing for the day.
You and Dh need to work as a team with night time chores.
DH and I do a 10 minute toy clean up every night. We basically just throw everything into a basket and I sort it when I can.
Once a week get your DH to take the older kids out for a couple of hours so that you can get the basic housework done.
I aim for one job per day, like cleaning the bathroom and toilets or puting washing away, or cleaning a bedroom..it doesn't always happen.
Learn to turn a blind eye to the mess that was once your home..very hard for me to do, but I am learning. This also applies to your children, my girls often don't have matching clothes or hair brushed now days.
Stay off the computer, except for your little bit of time out.
Wear baby in a sling
Remember that it is ok to scream into a pillow or outside everynow and theng..goodluck hun
One more tip: Get your DH to set up for breakfast before he goes to work, as in put cereal in bowls, tea bag/coffee in cup!!! I found this really helped when the kids woke up demanding breakfast all at once.
Actually 2 more tips: Get an answering machine
oh another one: Invest in a a microfibre cloth and wipe down the bathroom as the kids are having a bath. You'll find you will only have to really clean the bathroom fortnightly.
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